Aspen, Colorado — After some delays due to an initially uncompliant defendant, progress is underway on a resolution to a snowboarder’s collision with a skier.
The Aspen Daily News reports that a plea agreement has been offered to a snowboarder who allegedly engaged in a hit-and-run on Ajax.
Last week, prosecutors stated that they’ve offered a plea agreement to the defendants. Riku Banushi faces a charge of reckless endangerment (a class 2 misdemeanor) and a petty offense of the Colorado Ski Safety Act. A family member of Riku’s, Edmond Sadiku, is listed as a co-defendant. It’s alleged that he purchased the lift ticket for Riku and also told him to leave the crash scene. He’s trying to get removed from the case, as he disagrees with the allegations.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 22nd. This is when the defendant will announce whether he’s taking a plea deal or requesting that the case go to trial.
The snowboarder didn’t show up to a plea hearing last November, which led to a warrant for the individual’s arrest. However, this was rescinded after Riku showed up at the next meeting.
Details Regarding The Crash
The incident occurred back on February 24, 2024. Anne Cassidy was taking a rest on the mountain with her friend near the now-closed Gent’s Ridge chairlift. Both were standing up when she was hit from behind by Banushi. This resulted in torn ligaments in both of her knees and other ailments, which led to surgery and physical therapy.
The individual, who’s from Brooklyn, New York, was reportedly not an experienced rider. While interacting with Anne Cassidy’s friend after the crash, he reportedly stated, “What do you expect? I couldn’t stop; I was on a snowboard.”
Not gonna lie, that definitely seems like a conversation that would happen at Aspen. Buttermilk exists for a reason.
He then proceeded to continue down the mountain, but not before Anne was able to get a photo of him. They were able to identify the snowboarder by subpoenaing information and video footage from Aspen One (also known as the Aspen Skiing Company).
The Aspen resident also filed a civil lawsuit against the snowboarder, which is still ongoing in Pitkin County District Court.
Image Credits: Pitkin County District Court, Aspen One
