A 13-year-old boy, from Anacortes, Washington, died Wednesday morning after crashing into a tree while snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.
Deschutes County Sheriff deputies, along with Bend Fire and Rescue and AirLink, responded around 11:16 a.m. after the boy was reported missing to Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol. Ski Patrol later found him unresponsive in a wooded area near the Sunrise chairlift.
Ski Patrol immediately began lifesaving efforts and transported him to the resort’s medical facility. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, the boy died from his injuries.
While no witnesses to the incident have been identified, investigators believe he struck a tree while snowboarding through a treed area about 400 meters uphill from Sunrise Lodge. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
“This is a devastating loss for our community, a family, and first responders,” Sheriff van der Kamp said. “Our hearts go out to the boy’s family, friends, first responders, and everyone affected by this tragedy today. I am incredibly grateful to the ski patrol and emergency personnel who responded with urgency and compassion.”
The boy’s identity is not being released out of respect for his family and the ongoing investigation.
