Man experiencing medical emergency flown from Mt. Bachelor to St. Charles Bend

(Update: Mt. Bachelor guest flown to St. Charles Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – An AirLink helicopter was called to Mt. Bachelor on Sunday morning to take a man experiencing a medical emergency to St. Charles Bend for treatment, the resort said. The call came after two skiers suffered fatal injuries in accidents on the mountain about 24 hours apart, on Friday and Saturday, also bringing a helicopter to the scene.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol responded shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday to a guest experiencing a medical emergency, resort Brand and Marketing Director Leigh Capozzi said.

The 64-year-old man was brought by patrollers to the West Village landing zone, from where the AirLink helicopter took him the hospital, departing shortly before 10 a.m., Capozzi said. Further details were not released.

The hospital trip came after AirLink also was called to the resort on Friday and Saturday afternoons, but in both cases the accident victims could not be revived.

The Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol responded around 12:35 p.m. Saturday to a skier injury, Capozzi said. After assessing the injuries, Ski Patrol contacted Deschutes County 911 to dispatch a medical helicopter.

The skier, a 60-year-old man who was wearing a helmet, was taken by ski patrollers to the First Aid Room at West Village, where care was transferred to Bend Fire & Rescue, Capozzi said. The medical helicopter landed, but ultimately was called off, she said.

“Unfortunately, the skier succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 1:25 p.m.,” the resort statement said.

“The team at Mt. Bachelor is heartbroken to learn of our guest’s tragic passing and offers our deepest sympathies and support to his family and friends,” Capozzi concluded.

Initial reports indicated the skier struck a tree.

A rider who came upon the crash site shortly after Saturday's incident told NewsChannel 21 it happened on the West catchline, the edge of the resort's terrain.

Mt. Bachelor President and General Manager John McLeod provided this statement Saturday evening:

"We are heartbroken and in shock that two of our guests have tragically passed away on our mountain in the past two days. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of those who passed. The entire Mt Bachelor community is grieving with you tonight.   

"I am extraordinarily grateful to those who responded to these incidents including the guests who initially assisted our outstanding Patrol team, and for the emergency services and law enforcement personnel who worked with our teams during these difficult events.  

"We all cherish the freedom and joy we receive from time spent in the mountains, but times like this are a reminder that risk is ever present in our sport, even on the most spectacular of days," McLeod concluded.

Almost exactly 24 hours earlier, a 66-year-old male skier died, despite resuscitation efforts, after an accident Friday afternoon, near the Outback chairlift.

One witness told NewsChannel 21 the man apparently had struck his head while on the Boomerang run. The man's name and hometown were not released.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol responded around 12:25 p.m. to a skier injury, the resort said in a statement. Upon assessing the skier’s injuries, Ski Patrol called 911 to dispatch a medical helicopter.

The man, who also had been wearing a helmet, was transported by ski patrollers to a landing zone in the West Village parking lot, where care was transferred to Bend Fire & Rescue medics. An air ambulance was called in and landed, but ultimately was called off.

“Unfortunately, the skier succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 1 p.m.,” the statement said.

“Our entire team at Mt. Bachelor is deeply saddened by our guest’s tragic passing and offers our deepest condolences and support to his family and friends,” concluded the statement, provided by Capozzi.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched on a medical assist call and arrived to find CPR in progress on the man, Sergeant William Bailey said.

“Unfortunately and very sadly, the male did not survive,” Bailey said, adding that an active investigation was under way.

Another Mt. Bachelor skier on Friday, Alan Sawyers, said he was riding the Outback chair and could “see a guy laying next to a log on the ground, on the side of the run.”

Soon, he saw snowboarders coming down to check on him, and on his ski trip downhill saw two ski patrollers working to revive the man, performing CPR.

Sawyers was saddened to learn the man had passed away. He noted it had been “a great day” on the mountain, with many families enjoying the warmer weather and spring skiing and boarding conditions.

Mt. Bachelor said in Sunday afternoon's snow conditions update that while 4-6 inches of snow are expected from a new storm on Monday, "After spring-like conditions the mountain has received as of late, new snow accumulation may be deceitful, covering icy spots and hazardous obstacles."

The resort said the recent warmer temperatures and high pressure had created "variable snow surface conditions," including "substantial icy/choppy patches (that) are still very much present."

"Naturally, this adds an element of risk and warrants the need for extra caution when exploring the mountain," the resort stated. "We urge guests of all skill levels to practice their best judgment when descending trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all."