FAIRBURY, Ill. – The Prairie Central Community Unit School District is mourning the loss of two student athletes who tragically died in a sledding accident at Copper Mountain Ski Resort on Sunday night. The victims were identified Monday evening as Dylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr, both seniors at Prairie Central.
According to officials from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Bazzell and Fehr were riding tandem down a half-pipe when they were launched off a large snowbank and hit the hard ice below with great force. Despite immediate medical attention from emergency medical services, both teenagers could not be revived and were pronounced dead on the scene.
Bazzell was an Associated Press first-team all-state basketball selection this season. He also played football for a Prairie Central team that went unbeaten in the regular season and won an Illini Prairie Conference title. Fehr, on the other hand, was a team captain at running back and linebacker for Prairie Central and was an Illinois High School Football Coaches Association all-state selection in Class 3A.
The Prairie Central school district is offering support to students and staff in the grieving and healing process. The Baptist Church in Fairbury is also offering counseling, prayer, and a gathering place for students. The district has encouraged parents to talk with their children about the loss and seek additional support if necessary.
The Copper Mountain website indicates that all trails and lifts are closed by 4 p.m., and night skiing is not available. Their site’s safety information also explains that sleds are not allowed on Copper Mountain. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office reminded everyone to practice safe snow activity habits and be aware of the risks associated with these activities.
