Family and friends are grieving the loss of a 10-year-old girl who died after crashing into a tree at a Colorado ski resort on March 21.
The girl originally from Destin, Florida, hit a tree while skiing on Peak 10 at Breckenridge Ski Resort in Frisco, 72 miles west of Denver.
JUST IN: Juvenile female skier dies after colliding with tree at Breckenridge Ski Resort https://t.co/Mqaju2nuzv
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) March 21, 2019
Summit County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report shortly after 11 a.m. local time just after the accident occurred. Summit County Coroner Regan Wood said the name of the girl has been withheld as a courtesy to her family.
“The manner of death was accidental, and caused by blunt force trauma injuries,” Wood told the Summit Daily.
Juvenile skier dies following collision at Breckenridge Ski Resort https://t.co/1IfIiIwtgc
— Summit Daily News (@SummitDailyNews) March 22, 2019
After the accident, the girl was taken to Breckenridge Medical Clinic where she was pronounced dead.
Her death represents the seventh skiing fatality in the county so far this season.
Juvenile skier dies after hitting tree at Breckenridge Ski Resort https://t.co/WtdobgEjgH
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) March 22, 2019
Jeni Huemann Hopp witnessed the emergency unfold and said the entire peak was then closed for the investigation.
“Patrol handled this with privacy, respect, and professionalism,” she said in a Facebook comment dated April 1.
She said it was hard to imagine what it would be like for the girl’s family members to hear the grim news.
“I cannot comprehend this and how her family has to process and move on without her,” Hopp said. “Sending our condolences to her family and surely wish that there was more we could all do to change the outcome of this tragedy, praying for you all.”
Many concerned citizens shared their sorrow for the girl and her loved ones on KWGN Denver’s Facebook page.
“That is awful and so sad. We all like to push our limits on the mountain but when it ends bad nobody wins,” Michelle Lund said. “I can say I have been very wreckless at Breck and other resorts, condolences to the family and friends.”
“Sad there are so many deaths at that resort,” Lynn Bauman said. “[I] went there years ago and there were crosses on the sides of the runs.”
“So sad, most likely on spring break,” Sheryl Webb said. “My heart goes out to the family.”
BREAKING: A young skier died today after she collided with a tree at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Posted by KWGN Denver on Thursday, March 21, 2019
One parent said she felt this could happen to any child.
“Stephanie Carol this is why I don’t want my kids to ski,” Allison Ladner said.
“Snow sports, what a tragedy,” Carol replied.
TRAGIC: The 10-year-old girl from Destin, Florida, crashed into a tree on Peak 10 at Breckenridge Ski Resort on March 21 and died at a nearby hospital.
Posted by KWGN Denver on Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Another user said they believed the girl was now in the hands of her creator.
“I’m sorry for her loss of life, and for her family,” Samantha Sherrod said. “She is with her maker.”