CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — A 41-year-old skier died at Sugarloaf on Thursday after striking a tree on the side of the Lower Timberline trail.
Members of the Sugarloaf Ski Patrol responded to the scene at 3:43 p.m. and took the skier to the Sugarloaf First Aid Clinic, where paramedics from NorthStar Ambulance took over care.
The skier died in the ambulance, en route to the hospital, Sugarloaf officials said in a press release.
The victim’s identity was not available Thursday night. A Sugarloaf spokesman said he believed the man had been wearing a helmet when he struck the tree.
“We’re tremendously saddened to learn of the loss of a member of our community,” said John Diller, Sugarloaf general manager. “Sugarloaf skiers are a close-knit group, and a loss like this is felt throughout the community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and we wish them the best during this difficult time.”
Lower Timberline is a green-circle, or “Easier” trail on the western side of the mountain. Conditions at Sugarloaf on Thursday were described as “packed powder” with snow falling throughout much of the day.
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thats to bad. heart goes out to his friends and family.
Sad thing for him and his family.
I’m immediately reminded of this happening to Sonny Bono and one of the Kennedy kids. James Arness of Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke) fame got his limp from a similar accident.
Tragic.
Sad, and based on the time frame I’m guessing it was the last run of the day. Skier superstition is you never call last run………….
Very sad….RIP
The reoccurring problems on ski trails and the lack of common sense amazes me!!!!! MSHA and OSHA site companies for the least little problems that may cause an accident or death….come on people…wake up……the trails are between timbers, trees, big hard things that can cause serious injury…..WHY isn’t someone making the trails wider, cut down the trees, put up barriers…….duh duh duh – I am so saddened that we have to keep hearing about someone losing their life with the safety hazards in place currently….there will always be speed and inexperienced skiers on mountains…..someone with authority step up and make changes to save peoples lives…..
What about “at your own risk”? People make choices to do dangerous things every day. What, are you going to baby-proof the whole world?