Skiing Fatality At Crystal Mountain

A 40-year-old northern Michigan man died over the weekend at Crystal Mountain as a result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident.

The accident occurred at approximately 10:30am on Sun., Mar. 29, on a downhill trail located in the resort's North Face slopes complex, according to Brian Lawson, director of public relations for the resort.

"Our hearts and thoughts are immediately with the family who suffered this loss," said Lawson in an announcement released earlier this morning. The victim's name and further details about the skier are not being released by Crystal Mountain out of respect for the family's privacy. "We will be reaching out to offer our support to them just as we have to our ski patrollers and employees who acted so quickly, professionally and compassionately in the moments following this tragic event."

According to the statement from Crystal, the skier was wearing a helmet and, according to witnesses, speed was a factor as he appeared to lose control and struck a tree along the west edge of the intermediate-level trail Abbey Road. Ski Patrol arrived within minutes and began providing medical care until EMS first responders arrived. The man was transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City where he was later pronounced dead.

The North Face was closed for approximately three hours following the accident to allow officials to examine the scene. Details and witness accounts are being reviewed to more precisely determine what occured.