Snowboarder dies falling into tree well at Whistler
By Contributor
A snowboarder has died after falling into a tree weel at Whistler.
On Wednesday (April 4)at 11:07 am, Whistler RCMP were notified that a male snowboarder had been discovered upside down in a tree well.
“A passerby skiing down the same run in the 7th Heaven area spotted something that didn’t look right, and tried to help,” explains Staff Sergeant Steve LeClair, spokesperson for Whistler RCMP.
“He hiked up in the deep snow and discovered a male snowboarder, inverted and unresponsive in a tree well.”
The skier tried to pull the male from the tree well but was unable to do so, explains S/Sgt. LeClair.
He hiked further up the hill to alert other skiers and snowboarders in the area; together they were able to pull the male from the tree well.
Unfortunately, the male snowboarder was unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing. The skiers and snowboarders who pulled him out began CPR, and notified Blackcomb Ski Patrol who attended immediately with a doctor and an Advanced Life Support Paramedic.
The male was treated at the scene and flown by helicopter to the Whistler Municipal Heliport with CPR in progress. He was then transferred to an ambulance and taken to the Whistler Health Care Center where he was further treated.
“Tragically, the male did not survive and was pronounced dead,” said S/Sgt. LeClair. “Whistler RCMP are continuing their investigation in conjunction with the B.C. Coroner’s Service. Police are attempting to locate and notify the family of the deceased of this tragic incident.”
The man’s identity is not being released at this time.
The deceased snowboarder was riding within the ski area boundary in an area open to the public. The public is reminded that natural hazards such as tree wells, open creeks and other obstacles exist in the ski area and to ski and ride with care.
Additionally, those entering treed runs are encouraged to ski or ride with others. If you are unfamiliar with an area you are also reminded to be extra cautious.
