Times-Chronicle Staff
A 70-year-old employee at Mount Baldy Ski Resort died as a result of a workplace accident on Friday.
Police, BC Coroners Service and Work Safe BC are investigating the fatality that occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 26.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey reported that Oliver RCMP were called to the ski hill for a workplace accident. “Early findings indicate that an employee of the resort sustained serious injuries after becoming stuck beneath a Snowcat groomer, O’Donaghey said.
Despite the efforts of other employees and emergency first aid attendants on the mountain, the 70-year-old man did not survive and was pronounced deceased.
It was not reported how the employee got trapped underneath the machine or what he was doing at the time.
Oliver RCMP Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said further information releases will be left up to the coroner’s office.
“There is nothing to suggest a criminal investigation at this point,” Wrigglesworth said.
BC Coroners Service and Work Safe BC have each launched independent and concurrent fact-finding investigations into the man’s death. Due to the privacy of the deceased, his identity will not be released.
Ski resort management responded to the tragedy on the company’s Facebook page on Saturday.
“It is with great pain we report the passing of a wonderful, caring, gentle and valued Baldy family member from a terrible accident yesterday. We are all devastated. The intense emotions we feel are beyond comprehension. We cannot begin to grasp the overwhelming pain and sorrow the family is going through right now. We know there are no words to comfort them.”
The ski hill closed today as the investigation took place.
“At this time we ask for your patience and understanding while we deal with this tragic situation. We kindly ask you to respect the grief the family is going through.”
