A ski patroller at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah was killed Monday in a chairlift accident, police told local news outlet KSL TV5.
Christian Helger, 29, fell approximately 25-50 feet off the lift after a tree fell and hit the cable attached to the chairs, according to KSL.
Deputies have identified a Millcreek resident as the Park City Mountain Resort ski patrol worker who died in a chair lift accident earlier this week. https://t.co/KJGUGDuOA9
— KSL (@KSLcom) January 4, 2023
Helger fell into a ravine that was not easily accessible, and rescuers had to wade through chest-deep snow in order to reach him, KSL reported.
“This wasn’t over a run,” Summit County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Andrew Wright told the outlet. “There was a ravine where he had fallen. It took at least 20 minutes from what we’ve been told for ski patrol to get down there, dig him out of the snow and start performing life-saving measures.” (RELATED: Father And Son Go Skiing In ‘Backcountry,’ Only One Survives)
The man who lost his life in the tragic ski chair lift accident @PCski has been identified as 29yo Millcreek resident Christian Helger. Our prayers are with the Helger family as they grieve the loss of Christian. Hug your loved ones often and tell them you love them.#summitcounty pic.twitter.com/teZrKshGzZ
— Sheriff Justin (@SummitCountySO) January 4, 2023
Ski patrol aided Helger for almost 40 minutes before additional first responders arrived on the scene, KSL reported. Officials are still investigating the precise cause of the incident.
“Certainly, there are a lot of questions that will come into play as far as what caused that to happen,” Wright told the outlet. “Yes, there was a lot of snow. There could be other factors – the health of the tree, the proximity of the tree, all of those types of things.”
“The Park City Mountain team – as well as the entire Vail Resorts team – extend our deepest sympathy and support to the family and friends of our team member,” Park City Mountain Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Deirdra Walsh said, according to ABC4.
“We are all deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and we will be providing support for our employees as we grieve this devastating loss,” she added.