COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. – On Sunday night, two teenagers from Illinois lost their lives in a sledding accident at Copper Mountain Ski Resort. As an update to the story reported earlier, officials from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office released a statement with more details on the incident.
According to the statement, the 17-year-old and 18-year-old were riding tandem down a half-pipe when they were launched off a large snowbank at the bottom half of the pipe. The two teenagers hit the hard ice below with great force, resulting in blunt force trauma. Despite immediate medical attention from emergency medical services, both teenagers could not be revived and were pronounced dead on the scene.
The teenagers were students at Prairie Central Community Unit School District Number 8 in Illinois, and the school district is mourning their loss. Superintendent Paula Crane expressed deep sadness and assured the community that the district would assist students and staff in the grieving and healing process.
To help students cope with the loss, the Baptist Church in Fairbury is offering counseling, prayer, and a gathering place for students. The district has also 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.
As the investigation into the incident remains active, no further details are available at this time. The names of the teenagers have not been released to the public to respect their families’ privacy as they cope with the tragedy.
