Grindelwald, Switzerland – Saturday, March 10th, 2012 – As a result of a crash in a World Cup skicross race, 29-year-old Canadian racer Nick Zoricic died from head injuries.
[UPDATE: The previously embedded video of Nick Zoricic’s crash has been removed by YouTube moderators.]
The Associated Press reports on the story:
“The 29-year-old Zoricic died as a result of “severe neurotrauma,” the (International Ski) Federation said in a statement.
Zoricic crashed directly into safety nets lining the side of the course after going wide over the final jump. Television showed Zoricic tumbling through the nets as his skis and poles were thrown clear.
“Nick Zoricic fell heavily just before the finish in the round of eight, crashing directly into the safety netting and thereafter lying motionless,” the federation said. “The medical care from team doctors and Air Glacier followed immediately.”
The Canadian team expressed its condolences.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Nick’s parents and his family,” Alpine Canada President Max Gartner said in a statement. “Nick was a very talented young ski racer and a great athlete who was much loved by his teammates and fellow competitors.”
Organizers canceled World Cup events for men and women on Saturday, along with the scheduled World Cup Finals races at the same venue on Sunday.
The sting of this tragedy has become all too familiar for the snow sports community. The 2011/2012 snow sports season has been marred by an unfathomable number of accidents and deaths, from the natural landscapes of the backcountry, to the “controlled” realms of sanctioned competitions. Having known Nick Zoricic personally or not, this tragedy hits home for the snowsports community world-wide.
Rest in Peace Nick Zoricic! Our deepest condolences to all of Nick’s friends and family.