Hollywood actor Christopher Allport, known for roles in The X-Files and Mad Men, died in a tragic avalanche in 2008. His death was eerily foreshadowed by advice he had shared years earlier about mountain safety.
The Fatal Avalanche
Allport was killed by three avalanches near the Mountain High ski resort in Wrightwood, California, on January 25, 2008. He was one of three men who died, along with Michael McKay, an off-duty ski patrol member, and Darin Bodie Coffey. A fourth man escaped after hitting a rock.
The area, typically avalanche-free, had been hit by three feet of snow the week before. Allport, an avid winter sports enthusiast, was skiing out of bounds from the resort in the northeast area of Los Angeles. He was found dead under 10 feet of snow at 9:45 a.m.
Prophetic Words
Years before his death, Allport wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times about the pleasures of backcountry skiing. He wrote: "Any excursion into the mountains requires awareness. Have fun, but be careful." These words now seem hauntingly prophetic.
His friend Jordan Roberts remembered his passion for outdoor activities, telling the Los Angeles Times: "He would surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon. He was knowledgeable in every conceivable outdoor activity."
Impact on His Work and Family
Allport was set to appear as Pete Campbell's father, Andrew, on Mad Men. After his death, the show's writers killed off his character in the episode 'Flight One', where he dies in the crash of American Airlines Flight 1.
He left behind his wife, author Susan Hayden, and two children, Mason and Andrew.
