ASHLAND, Ore. – A 23-year-old man died Saturday afternoon after reportedly colliding with a tree while skiing on Mt. Ashland. He was a member of the Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol.
On February 16, 2019, at 1:31 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting a skiing accident on the south side of the mountain, outside the boundaries of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to the ski area, along with personnel from Ashland Fire & Rescue.
Deputies learned the victim was among a group of Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol members skiing in the back country. The victim’s fellow ski patrol members rendered aid and transported him back up the slope to the ski area. Medical personnel continued resuscitation until he was pronounced dead at 3:37 p.m.
The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause and manner of death. An autopsy is planned for Sunday.
The victim’s next-of-kin has been notified. His name will be released at a later time to allow additional family to be notified.
