Tragedy Strikes: Skier Dies at Palisades Tahoe After Head Injury

OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. — A 26-year-old skier died after suffering a head injury at Palisades Tahoe over the weekend. The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday at the KT-22 chairlift.

According to resort officials, the skier, identified as Ellery Dolan Curtis, sustained a traumatic head injury while skiing. Despite immediate response by Palisades Tahoe’s ski patrol team, who provided medical assistance, Curtis succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her identity and noted that her driver’s license listed her residency as San Francisco.

Curtis was not only an avid skier but also a former ski champion at Dartmouth College and was employed by the California Public Utilities Commission. The commission released a statement expressing deep sorrow over her passing, highlighting her dedication to environmental protection.

“Ellie was passionate about her work and had so much potential ahead of her,” the statement read. “She will be greatly missed by her colleagues and community.”

This tragic event marks the fourth fatality at Tahoe-area resorts this year and adds to the growing concerns regarding safety on the slopes. Just last month, Roman Lacayo, a 25-year-old aspiring firefighter from Corona, died following a snowboarding accident at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

As investigations continue, safety advocates are urging skiers and snowboarders to stay vigilant while enjoying winter sports. Officials remind visitors to be aware of their surroundings and adhere to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.