13-year-old snowboarder crashes into a tree, dies at Mt. Bachelor
(Update: Adding new video, resort statement: second fatality in less than a month)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 13-year-old boy from Anacortes, Washington, died Wednesday morning after crashing into a tree while snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp said.
Sheriff's deputies, along with Bend Fire and Rescue and an AirLink helicopter, responded around 11:16 a.m. after the boy was reported missing to Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol. Ski Patrol members later found him unresponsive in a wooded area near the Sunrise chairlift, the sheriff said.
Ski Patrol immediately began lifesaving efforts and transported him to the resort’s medical facility. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, the boy died from his injuries.
While no witnesses to the incident have been identified, van der Kamp said investigators believe he struck a tree while snowboarding through a treed area about 400 meters uphill from Sunrise Lodge. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
Van der Kamp confirmed to KTVZ News that the boy was snowboarding with a large group of family down Dilly Dally Alley. When the boy did not reach the bottom, his family reported him missing.
“This is a devastating loss for our community, a family, and first responders,” Sheriff van der Kamp said. “Our hearts go out to the boy’s family, friends, first responders, and everyone affected by this tragedy today. I am incredibly grateful to the ski patrol and emergency personnel who responded with urgency and compassion.”
The boy’s identity is not being released out of respect for his family and the ongoing investigation.
Van der Kamp said the Sheriff's Office appreciates the support and efforts of Deschutes County 911, Bend Fire & Rescue, AirLink Critical Care Transport, Central Oregon Public Safety Chaplaincy, Mt. Bachelor Resort staff, and Summit Medical Group's Urgent Care Clinic at Mt. Bachelor.
It’s the second fatal accident at the popular ski and snowboard resort in less than a month. Skier Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, died on March 17 after falling into a deep tree well.
Mt. Bachelor provided this statement to KTVZ News:
"Earlier today, Mt. Bachelor Patrol received a report of a missing guest and began a search of the mountain. The guest was found unresponsive by members of our Patrol team who began life-saving measures and transported the individual to the base area and into the care of Bend Fire. At approximately 12:05 p.m., Bend Fire pronounced the guest deceased.
"On behalf of our entire team at Mt. Bachelor, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. As always, we are grateful to our teams and Bend’s first responders for their work today," the resort said.
