Tragic news out of the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort in Oregon where a 13-year-old snowboarder from Washington died on Wednesday.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the boy had been reported missing earlier that day and was later found by Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol in a wooded area near the Sunrise chairlift. He was unresponsive when found.
Emergency responders from the Mt Bachelor Urgent Care Clinic, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire and Rescue, and AirLink arrived around 11:16 a.m., beginning lifesaving efforts immediately. He was transferred to the medical facility at the resort but did not survive his injuries.
“This is a devastating loss for our community. Our hearts go out to the boy’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We thank the ski patrol and first responders for their quick and compassionate efforts.” – Sheriff Kent van der Kamp.
It’s believed that the snowboarder hit a tree while riding in the wooded area, and investigators note that he was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. The boy’s identity has not been released.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the friends and family of the victim at this time.