Mount Washington has confirmed that a 22-year-old man has died while he was snowboarding during a snowstorm on Tuesday.
According to the resort, a 22-year-old from Victoria was snowboarding inbounds with four companions on January 5 and had “fallen in open intermediate terrain.”
The companions he was with said that he did not meet them at the base of the lift as planned, so the group notified operations staff.
Mount Washington Ski Patrol was then notified as well and a search ensued.
Shortly after a search had begun, the snowboarder was found by his companions, who were participating in the search.
According to Mount Washington, they found him unresponsive with no apparent signs of trauma.
Nathaniel Glickman was at the resort Tuesday and went to help when he heard men yelling.
“Myself and my brother and the man’s two friends were the first people on the scene and we basically got him as much out of the hole as we could and started CPR,” said Glickman.
He says the victim was found in a hole or depression in the snow under the Eagle chairlift that was closed at the time due to the storm.
“And he was under the lift which was not running that day so it was an area that was really quiet and so nobody noticed him for the time being,” he said.
Several members of the Mount Washington Ski Patrol arrived moments later.
“Lifesaving measures were performed by the companions and Ski Patrol but ultimately proved unsuccessful,” reads a statement from the mountain staff.
A customary investigation has been launched by the BC Coroners Service and RCMP in order to understand the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Skiers and snowboarders who were on the mountain Tuesday tell CHEK News visibility was extremely poor.
“At times you couldn’t even see your snowboard or skis,” said Ben Morrison.
“This is a very sad tragedy. Our team at Mount Washington extends our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of this young man. Our hearts break for them,” said the resort’s General Manager, Dean Prentice.
“I would like to thank our first responders and dedicated staff for their efforts in this unfortunate situation.”
The cause of death has not been released to the public at this time.
Graham Cox
