Hemsedal resort mourns “highly loved” colleague lost in Easter avalanche

The leadership of Fyri Resort in Hemsedal has described 34-year-old Max Napoleon Andersson, who died in an avalanche on Easter Monday, as a “central and highly loved” colleague whose loss has left the team devastated.

“We are completely crushed,” Jostein Baune Haraldstad, CEO of Fyri Resort, told Dagbladet. “He was a genuine and honest person—someone you could trust, who always showed up when needed.”

Andersson, a Swedish national residing in Hemsedal, was one of two fatalities when an avalanche struck a group of seven near Halsane on April 6. The other victim was Guro Jordheim (29), also a local resident. Four people were caught in the slide.

A driving force in Hemsedal’s hospitality

Haraldstad emphasised Andersson’s professional impact, calling him “one of the absolute best in the hotel industry” in commercial leadership. Hired two years ago, Andersson quickly became pivotal in shaping Fyri Resort’s direction.

“He wasn’t just a commercial leader—he created joy at work. Through his personality alone, he united the team and steered us forward,” Haraldstad said, noting Andersson’s precision, creativity, and uncompromising standards for quality.

Beyond his role, Andersson was credited with helping put Hemsedal “on the map,” earning widespread respect from staff, partners, and local businesses. “He was extremely well-liked, both internally and across the community,” Haraldstad added.

Passion for nature and relentless energy

Colleagues remembered Andersson’s deep connection to the outdoors. A two-time swimrun world champion, he trained rigorously—often logging 10 hours weekly—to fuel his professional drive. “He’d say, ‘Full speed ahead,’ a phrase we’ll always associate with him,” Haraldstad recalled.

His love for the mountains was central to his life in Hemsedal. Local lore even included a broken treadmill at the gym, unable to match his intensity. “He genuinely loved the wilderness here. It was part of his daily rhythm,” Haraldstad said.

“A void we can’t describe”

The loss has left a profound gap. “Those of us who worked closely with Max are at a loss for words. I’ve lost my closest friend and colleague,” Haraldstad said, describing an outpouring of condolences from suppliers, families, and community members.

Yet his thoughts turned first to Andersson’s family: “Hemsedal is a small place. A tragedy like this affects us all.”