9-year-old skier injured at Nakiska dies in hospital
CBC News | Posted: December 8, 2015 7:50 PM | Last Updated: December 8, 2015
Alberta Alpine says girl believed to have hit tree after losing control while skiing with teammates
A nine-year-old girl who was found unconscious at Nakiska Ski Resort on Sunday has died.
RCMP and Alberta Alpine confirmed her death on Tuesday.
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She was a member of the U10+ Mt. Allen Ski Team and was skiing with her group on the Homesteader run at the resort in Kananaskis Country, west of Calgary, when it is believed she lost control and hit a tree off the main trail, according to Alberta Alpine.
"It was with shock and great sadness that we learned of the athlete's passing at Children's Hospital on Sunday afternoon," the ski organization said in a statement.
Alberta Alpine President Nigel Loring said the young girl's family didn't want her name to be released publicly.
Alberta Alpine will work to prevent similar tragedies
No further information about how the girl lost control was available.
Alberta Alpine described her death as a "tragic accident" but said it would continue to work with its members' ski clubs to learn whether anything more could be done to prevent similar incidents.
"All learnings will be shared, not only within our member teams, but also throughout Canada," the organization stated.
Alberta Alpine also extended its condolences to the girl's relatives.
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family who has lost their child," it stated.
"Our hearts are breaking for your loss. The ski race community is small. Our parent leadership teams and professional staff are committed to creating safe environments for children to train, compete and freeski."