A paraglider known well in the adventure skiing and gliding community in Girdwood died Sunday afternoon in a paragliding accident.
Alaska State Troopers received a report at 1:42 pm of a paragliding crash near Magnificent Peak in Eagle River Valley area. The caller said he and others were photographing the paraglider when they lost sight of him. The group went to locate the paraglider and initiated CPR.
Joshua Randich, 33, of Girdwood, was transported by Alaska Air National Guard Pave Hawk helicopter to an Anchorage hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
On Instagram, his friends posted how much they admired him for living life to the fullest, and how much Randich will be missed.
“Thank you for everything! For being a friend, brother, teacher, captain, and legend. Your embodiment of leadership is unmatched and I will forever look up to you and your lessons. Nothing but love and appreciation for you brother.”
“Truly one of the greatest humans I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Thanks for the inspiration and friendship. Fly in peace!!!”
“RIP bud. I’ll always cherish the turns we made together. You welcomed me into the community and taught me to do a 360. Thanks for being a friend.”
“Complete loss of words. The world lost a true legend. You inspired everyone who met you to live a fulfilling life chasing their passion. What a sad day.”
Randich is the second Alaskan to lose his life paragliding in recent days. Dr. Russell Biggs, another adventurer who loved wilderness experiences, died while paragliding in Turkey in early October. Biggs was an Anchorage anesthesiologist and community activist.
