Chelone-Miller-Obituary

Chelone Miller

Obituary

MAMMOTH LAKES, California (AP) - Snowboarder Chelone Miller, the younger brother of Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller, died Sunday in the area of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. He was 29.

The Mono County Sheriff's Office confirmed his death Monday in a statement. The cause of death is being investigated, but authorities say foul play is not suspected.

According to the statement, the sheriff's office dispatch received a call around 12:45 p.m. Sunday regarding an unresponsive male in his van. Paramedics, the fire department and deputies were dispatched to the scene, whereupon arrival "it was determined that Mr. Miller was deceased," the statement said.

Miller, of Easton, New Hampshire, was hoping to make the U.S. squad in snowboardcross for the 2014 Sochi Games. Nicknamed Chilly, Miller recently finished fourth at the 2013 U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix in Canyons, Utah.

In addition to competing, Miller also did some filming with Warren Miller and other production companies.

"Chelone Miller was an aspiring elite athlete who had made great progress as a snowboardcross rider this past season. We are all deeply saddened at the news of his death and extend our condolences to the entire Miller family," U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President Bill Marolt said in a statement on the team's website.

Several Olympic athletes took to Twitter to express their condolences:

-Freestyle skier and two-time Olympian Emily Cook: "Broken-hearted to hear of the passing of Chelone Miller. Sending love and prayers to Bode, friends and family."

-Snowboarder Elena Hight: "My heart goes out to (at)MillerBode and his family. So sad for the loss of such a great person. (hash)RIPchilly."

Just last month, Chelone Miller won the Rahlves Banzai Tour overall title courtesy of a victory at Sugar Bowl in California. The event is organized by Daron Rahlves, a former World Cup and Olympic skier. The Twitter account (at)R ahlvesBanzai tweeted: "RIP Chilly..We will miss you, but never forget! Thoughts go out to (at)MillerBode and his family."

Bode Miller is a five-time Olympic medalist in alpine skiing. He sat out the 2012-13 World Cup season while recovering from a knee injury.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

To all the family our thoughts are with you. Chelone will be missed even though I only met him a couple of times- he was always upbeat and on the gi

To Woddy and family, my sincere condolances on the loss of Chelone. He was my second cousin and while we never met I greatly admired his talents. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
RIP Chelone

sorry for your loss,please find comfort in in knowing that "God is opening his hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing"....pslm.145:16...dm

So hard to lose one so young and so vital. Head injuries are horrible and epilepsy mysterious. All my sympathy at the loss of such a beloved young man. God bless all who loved him.

I'm sorry that you have to go through this pain but remember that God is there to comfort you as the days pass.

To the family of Chelone Miller we send our condolences. I just wonder if his older brother will put one of his medals around younger brothers neck. It will be a good gesture and the last thing he can possible give to his brother.

Our deepest sympathy to the Miller family. Our hearts ache with yours. May the God of tender mercies be with you during this time of bereavement. Romans 15:33.