Airman identified in snowboarding death Published March 10, 2017 By 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Air Force Senior Airman Tien Tran, 566th Intelligence Squadron electronic intelligence signals analyst assigned to Buckley Air Force Base, was pronounced dead at 12:18 p.m. March 7 as a result of a snowboarding incident. Tran, 24, sustained a fatal head injury after crashing into a tree while snowboarding at Eldora Mountain Resort in Nederland, Colo. According to a release from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, the Eldora Ski Patrol responded to reports of an injured person on the Muleshoe run. The patrol began CPR and continued until paramedics arrived on scene. Paramedics ceased resuscitation efforts and pronounced the Airman dead on the advice of an on-duty, emergency-room doctor. The Airman was later legally pronounced dead by the Boulder County Coroner’s office. Tran was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. “The death of Airman Tran is a tragic loss for the Air Force and the intelligence community,” said Lt. Col. Chandler Atwood, 566th IS commander. “The squadron is coming together as a family in this difficult time, and we’re ensuring resources are available for the family, friends and co-workers.” As an electronic intelligence signals analyst, Tran operated a $4.5 million system and analyzed, reported and directed intelligence data supporting three national agencies and combat services that enabled global military operations. He earned accolades in his role for serving as a trainer for joint-service analysts and excelling in real-world and exercise situations. He was committed to volunteering in the local community through services such as Habitat for Humanity. “Every Airman plays a vital role in the success of our greater Air Force mission, and we are truly saddened by the loss of this Team Buckley member,” said Col. Scott Romberger, 460th Space Wing vice commander. “As a team, we will come together and provide any support needed by our base partner.” Tran, born in Keaau, Hawaii, served in the Air Force for three years. Buckley AFB was his first duty station. Buckley AFB will host a memorial service for Tran. The time and date will be announced once determined.