A winter outing ended in heartbreak after an 18-year-old man died following a fall from a chairlift at Cypress Mountain, one of the most popular ski destinations near Vancouver.
The fatal incident happened the evening of Jan. 15 at the North Shore Mountains resort in West Vancouver, Canada. The teen, who was from Maple Ridge, B.C., was riding a chairlift when he fell, prompting an emergency response.
According to the West Vancouver Police Department, first responders were called to the resort around 7:27 p.m. after reports of a person in medical distress. Despite rapid response efforts, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene.
B.C. Emergency Health Services confirmed to CBC News that two ambulances and a paramedic response unit were dispatched.
Police say there is no indication the tragedy was caused by equipment failure. “All available evidence points to this being a tragic accident,” WVPD spokesperson Suzanne Birch said, adding that there were no obvious technical or mechanical issues with the chairlift. Because the death appears non-suspicious, the investigation has been turned over to the coroner’s office.
Victim services were made available at the scene and continue to support the teen’s family, witnesses, and others who may have been impacted.
“The West Vancouver Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young man,” Birch said. “We acknowledge how upsetting this would have been for everyone in the vicinity.”
Cypress Mountain also issued a statement following the incident, sharing sympathy for those affected.
“Cypress Mountain extends our heartfelt condolences and support to the guest’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the resort said in a statement reported by Vancouver Sun.
The resort did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment. The investigation into the fatal fall remains ongoing.
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