LOCAL NEWS

Teen dies in collision with chairlift tower at Deer Valley

Dec 12, 2022, 12:51 PM | Updated: Jun 26, 2024, 9:56 am

PARK CITY, UTAH — A teen “succumbed to her injuries” after she collided with a chairlift tower in Deer Valley Saturday morning.

According to a release from Deer Valley, at approximately 9 p.m., an 18-year-old from Oregon was tubing with her friends when she hit a chairlift tower at Deer Valley’s Silver Strike Express.

Friends called 911 and brought her to the base of the chairlift, where the Park City Fire Department responded.

“We initially got dispatched to the site of the accident, we later learned they (friends) did bring her down in a sled lower down on the slope,” said Sean Briley, Battalion Chief for Park City Fire Department.

Briley said the woman suffered blunt force trauma but was still alive when medical crews reached her.

“We made the decision to fly her, we ordered Air-Med and determined based on their ETA to do a hot load protocol,” he said. “So that’s when we put them in an ambulance and meet them (Air-Med) in predesignated areas.”

Briley said the ambulance met Air-Med off Highway 224, and the woman was flown to the University of Utah trauma center. It was there, according to the release from Dear Valley, she succumbed to her injuries.

He said tubing on groomed ski runs is extremely dangerous, which is why it’s not allowed at many resorts, including Deer Valley.

“They don’t really realize they’re very fast surfaces, it’s hard to break, and I think with the groomed surface, it lulls them into a false sense of security, and we have had fatalities over the years,” Briley explained. “These ski runs are made to run into the bottom of the ski lifts. They’re really not designed to accommodate sledders, they’re made for skiing, snowboarding.”

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” stated Deer Valley in a release issued Monday.

The teen’s identity was not released, and no other details were immediately available.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A new threat has emerged in Utah as authorities sound the alarm over carfentanil, a powerful synthe...

Garna Mejia

Authorities alarmed by carfentanil’s emergence in Utah

A new threat has emerged in Utah as authorities sound the alarm over carfentanil, a powerful synthetic opioid initially used as an elephant tranquilizer.

3 hours ago

George, the monkey, learns with Lucas's classmates on Feb. 11, 2025. (KSL TV)...

Dan Rascon

Third grade teacher comes up with way to help student with cancer not miss class

A West Jordan Elementary school teacher went above and beyond to help bring healing and joy to one of her third grade students who has cancer.

3 hours ago

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun. (KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Sandy Police say 2 men arrested after armed pursuit of family in car

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun.

4 hours ago

Police said a driver rolled their car in Taylorsville before fleeing the scene on foot Tuesday nigh...

Carlysle Price

Police: Driver rolls car, flees on foot

Police said a driver rolled their car in Taylorsville before fleeing the scene on foot Tuesday night.

4 hours ago

One person was found dead inside a West Haven home that caught fire on Feb. 11, 2025. (KSL TV)...

Mariah Maynes and Brian Carlson, KSL TV

West Haven house fire kills 1 person

One person was killed after a West Haven house fire on Tuesday night.

5 hours ago

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA FrontRunner train in Layton on F...

Shara Park

New video shows FrontRunner hit SUV stopped on tracks in Layton

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA FrontRunner train in Layton on February 4. Fortunately, the driver escaped before the impact.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Teen dies in collision with chairlift tower at Deer Valley