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U.S. snowboarder Brock Crouch said he was “buried with no oxygen for almost 5 minutes” after an avalanche before several people rescued him, saving his life, in a social media post Thursday.

It happened several days ago while Crouch, 18, was was riding for snowboarding filming in Whistler, B.C. He was swept off an 80-foot cliff, according to USA Surfing (Crouch also surfs).

“I was unfortunately caught in a pretty big avalanche,” was posted on Crouch’s social media, along with images of Crouch at a hospital. “I was standing at the top of a ridge with [friend] Cam when the cornice broke under me and pulled me backwards into a slide. It took me through about 1000 feet and over several rock bands before I ended up at the bottom, buried with no oxygen for almost 5 minutes. Luckily for me, I was with some of the most experienced people in the world when it comes to back country safety and without them I wouldn’t be here today so thank you all!”

Crouch will leave the hospital in a few days, without surgery or spine or nerve damage, according to his social media. He tore his pancreas, knocked out five teeth and fractured three vertebrae.

Crouch was in the running to make the PyeongChang Olympic team in big air and slopestyle but missed the four-man roster. He won the Olympic slopestyle test event in South Korea in 2016.

“I love snowboarding more today than I ever have, and I can’t wait to get back on my board and shred with everyone again!” was the closing statement of Crouch’s post.

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A few days ago, I was in the Whistler back country filming with @johnjamun , @camfitzpatrick , @marktremblay , @getsalano , and Justin Hostynek when I was unfortunately caught in a pretty big avalanche. I was standing at the top of a ridge with Cam when the cornice broke under me and pulled me backwards into a slide. It took me through about 1000 feet and over several rock bands before I ended up at the bottom, buried with no oxygen for almost 5 minutes. Luckily for me, I was with some of the most experienced people in the world when it comes to back country safety and without them I wouldn’t be here today so thank you all! I tore my pancreas, knocked out 5 teeth, got a "periorbital hemotoma (basically closed up my right eye) and fractured my L2 L3 and my T12 vertebrae. Initially, I didn't know what to expect because we didn't know how serious my spine and pancreas injuries were. Last night, we got some final results from the doctors and somehow by the grace of God I don't need any surgery and I get to leave here in the next few days since there was no spine or nerve damage. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love I’ve been shown the last few days. I especially want to thank our pilot, Justin, John, Cam, Mark and Shin for saving my life. I love snowboarding more today than I ever have and I can’t wait to get back on my board and shred with everyone again!

A post shared by Brock Crouch (@brockcrouch) on Apr 26, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT

U.S. snowboarder and surfer Brock Crouch was buried alive for five minutes in an avalanche before being rescued with three broken vertebrae, according to an older brother’s Instagram and USA Surfing.

Crouch, 18, “was swept off an 80-foot cliff,” by the avalanche while snowboarding in Canada, according to USA Surfing, adding that he fractured his T12, L1 and L2 vertebrae.

Images of Crouch holding a thumbs-up and peace sign lying in a hospital bed were posted on his Instagram Story on Tuesday.

“I was riding with Brock two days ago when he took a nasty ride in an avalanche down multiple rock bands due to a cornice failure resulting in him being buried for about 4 or 5 minutes,” was posted on snowboarder John Jackson‘s Instagram on Tuesday. “Crazy how a situation like this can surprise you so quickly. I’m so glad the whole crew performed a rockstar rescue and Brock is strong enough to handle what he went down.”

Crouch was in the running to make the PyeongChang Olympic team in big air and slopestyle but missed the four-man roster. He won the Olympic slopestyle test event in South Korea in 2016.

Feeling extra grateful today. For everyone wondering what happened, Mother Nature turned on one of my best friends yesterday. Brock was in the Canadian back country living life to the fullest when an avalanche had other plans. He was pulled off an 80ft cliff and upon landing, buried for 5 minutes before help got to him. He broke his back (T12-L1-L2) lost some teeth, busted up his face, then was buried alive. I know you stared death in the face yesterday brother but you also lived to talk about it. Bad things happen to good people and we will never know why, just know you’ve got an army of love and support and an older brother who loves the shit out of you. Heal up ❤️

A post shared by Mike Glennie (@mike_glennie) on Apr 23, 2018 at 5:43pm PDT

Can’t explain how happy I am to see this guy! @brockcrouch you are a soldier! I was riding with Brock two days ago when he took a nasty ride in an avalanche down multiple rock bands due to a cornice failure resulting in him being buried for about 4 or 5 minutes. Crazy how a situation like this can surprise you so quickly. I’m so glad the whole crew performed a rockstar rescue and Brock is strong enough to handle what he went down. Especially thankful for our pilot Josh, who didn’t waste a second in the situation. I was so impressed with this kids talent while we were riding all morning and know he will come back with a fury to continue getting after it. Love you bud, and massive prayers for that body to heal quickly! #extreme18 will be back! Although might have to change the m.o. to #nasty19 👊 #toughasnails

A post shared by John Jackson (@johnjamun) on Apr 24, 2018 at 8:54pm PDT