Pictured: American boy, 15, who died in avalanche in Switzerland identified as ... trends now

The American teenager killed in a Swiss avalanche has been pictured for the first time and identified as Aleksas Beiga from Illinois, son of an Olympic swimmer. 

Aleksas, 15, was one of the three people killed in the colossal snow collapse close to a popular ski resort in Zermatt on Easter Monday.  

A fourth person was also found with injuries and flown to a nearby hospital after a dramatic hunt around the area of Riffelberg involving four helicopters.

Friends have described Aleksas as a 'beacon of kindness and intelligence' who loved outdoor sports including 'carving up the slopes on his skis' in a fundraiser launched for his family.   

'Words cannot capture the depth of sorrow we feel, nor adequately express the profound loss of a young soul so full of promise, joy, and vitality,' the fundraiser reads. 

Aleksas' father, Ned Beiga, 52, is a Lithuanian former professional swimmer who competed in the breaststroke event at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Beiga now runs a Chicago-based company which restores homes after they have been damaged by emergency incidents like fire or flooding. 

Friends remembered Aleksas for his 'infectious laughter, boundless energy and compassionate heart' which 'touched the lives of all who knew him' and 'brightened every room he entered'. 

'His vivacity knew no bounds, and his zest for life was unparalleled,' they wrote. 

'Whether he was diving into the swimming pool, racing down the trails on his bike, or carving up the slopes on his skis, Aleksas approached every moment with enthusiasm and passion.'   

'Beyond his adventurous spirit, Aleksas was a beacon of kindness and intelligence,' they added. 

'His warmth and empathy knew no bounds, and he had a remarkable ability to uplift those around him with his words and actions. 

'Whether it was through a witty joke that brought laughter to a somber moment or a

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