This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Orange County snowboarder killed at Wrightwood resort during nighttime run
A 24-year-old man from Orange County died Monday during a snowboarding session in Wrightwood. Witnesses say the man fell off the snowboard and crashed into a stand of trees.
The accident happened just after sunset on an illuminated trail at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood.
Evening snowboarding sessions are common. It's unclear whether the snowboarder was hearing a helmet. The fatal accident occurred hours before several people were hurt in a ski lift accident at the Sugarloaf resort in Maine, and a few days after a 23-year old man and a 5-year girl died in a snowboarding collision at a resort in Wyoming.
The National Ski Areas Association reports an average of 40 skiing and snowboarding-related deaths and dozens of injuries every year at U.S. winter resorts. The Association says most of the victims were not wearing helmets.
As of 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, authorities hadn't released the victim’s name. They’re still contacting his nearest relatives.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
