Breckenridge, CO | Photo: Ahodges7 | Cover Photo: KamenG

It’s a rough time for the Colorado ski community as it mourns the loss of two individuals who died in skiing-related accidents this past week.

The first happened on Friday when a 15 year-old female skier from Kansas died after complications arose from a broken leg she suffered while skiing at Breckenridge. Tess Smith was reported as being conscious when ski patrol arrived on the scene but her condition quickly worsened shortly thereafter.

“On behalf of the Smith family, we thank everyone for all you have done. Keep the prayers and support coming as the days, weeks, months ahead will be very tough.”Tess Smith GoFundMe Page

She lost consciousness and was later transported to a nearby hospital where she was put on life support. Her family continued to keep her on life support for a prolonged term so her organs could be given to others in need. She has since passed away. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help the family with “medical and travel expenses they have and will incur.”

Donate here: Love for Tess Smith and Family

The second fatality occurred at Eldora Mountain Resort on Tuesday when an 23 year-old man hit a tree while snowboarding reports the Boulder Daily Camera. The accident occurred on the expert run, Mule Shoe. Medical personnel initially hoped they’d be able to use a medevac but that effort was later shut down due to weather and an ambulance had to be used instead. He was pronounced dead at 11:18am. The man in question was an airman at the nearby Buckley Airforce Base in Aurora, Colorado.

*Our deepest condolences go out to the victims’ friends and family. 

Find the entire Boulder Daily Camera article here: Buckley airman dies after crashing into tree while snowboarding at Eldora

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