Ski patrollers from the Mount Bachelor resort in Bend, Ore., recovered a body from the northwest side of the mountain last week, and later confirmed it was missing Ambler native Kate Svitek.

Svitek's body was found buried approximately 300 feet from where she was last seen Feb. 9 while snowboarding with two friends. The disappearance of the 22-year-old had resulted in a weeklong search involving nearly 100 professional rescue workers and volunteers.

The state medical examiner listed the cause of death as "suffocation," and authorities said Svitek most likely fell into a well of loose snow near the base of a tree and became trapped.

A memorial service was held March 3 at Svitek's synagogue, Congregation Beth Or in Spring House. She was interred five days later in a private ceremony officiated by Beth Or's religious leader, Rabbi Gregory Marx.
Marx described the young woman's death as one of the worst tragedies to strike his congregation, and said he is praying for the family.
"This has been a test not only of their courage," said Marx, "but also of their faith."