Edmonton teen killed in Panorama ski accident

Columbia Valley RCMP.

On March 15 at 10am a 16 year old youth from Edmonton on an organized school function lost control while skiing at Panorama Ski Resort and collided with a tree that resulted in head and internal injuries that were fatal. The young male was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The ski run is described as a blue run. This was the first day of skiing for the group of 30 youths. Adults from the school were with the group.

The male was observed by a friend to lose control and hit the tree. The friend alerted passing skiers and the first adult on scene to provide assistance happened to be a trauma doctor who immediately started CPR. Within minutes Panorama Ski patrol members were on scene and assisted in medical care for the youth. The male was brought down the mountain and placed on a helicopter and flown to Invermere Hospital where shortly after he was pronounced deceased.

All the students and adults were gathered together and with the assistance of victim assistance volunteers from the detachment and Panorama staff the group were made aware of the tragic accident that claimed their classmate.

Edmonton Police Services assisted in contacting the parents of the youth.

School staff have advised that all parents have been notified of this tragic incident and preparations are in place to provide ongoing care on their return home.

S/Sgt Marko Shehovac
NCO i/c Columbia Valley Detachment

Update 2010 Feb 15

Police have now released the name of the accident victim, Skylar Lockwood, age 16.