71-year-old skier who vanished from Oregon ski area is found dead off the course

A 71-year-old skier was found dead after he vanished from an Oregon resort, officials said.

The man’s skiing partner reported him missing Friday, March 11, at Mt. Ashland Ski Area in southern Oregon.

“A search was initiated by Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol and supported by Jackson County Search and Rescue,” officials from the ski area said on Facebook. “A helicopter was dispatched to aid in the search.”

The man was found unresponsive off the course, outside of the ski area’s boundary ropes.

“Lifesaving efforts were initiated immediately,” officials said. “Both Ski Patrol and Search and Rescue continued their efforts as he was transported by the search helicopter to the Mt. Ashland patrol room.”

Rescuers rushed him in an ambulance to a nearby medical center. The man was pronounced dead, officials said.

“Everyone at Mt. Ashland has been devastated by this tragic event,” the ski area said. “We are reminded by this tragedy that the mountains we love and provide us so much joy come with inherent risks.”

Mt. Ashland officials did not say what may have led to the man’s death. His identity was not disclosed. The ski area is near the Oregon-California state line.

The death happened days after a college student died on a skiing trip at a different Oregon ski area.

Ella Carr, a 20-year-old student at Whitman College in Washington, lost control and crashed into trees March 5 at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.

“The Whitman College community is devastated by the death of Ella Carr,” the college told McClatchy News. “This is a heartbreaking loss and we are focused on supporting Ella’s family and friends in any way we can.”

This story was originally published March 14, 2022 at 10:49 AM with the headline "71-year-old skier who vanished from Oregon ski area is found dead off the course."