A 49-year-old man died Saturday afternoon after colliding with a teenage skier in the Schmittenhöhe ski area near Zell am See, Austria. The Salzburg State Police Department reported the local man succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite receiving immediate medical attention. This tragic incident raises questions about safety protocols on the slopes and the potential for hit-and-run scenarios in popular ski destinations.
Teen Skier Flees After Fatal Collision
Authorities are searching for a teenage skier who left the scene after the accident.
- The collision occurred at 3:15 p.m. on red runway 2, at an elevation of 1,444 meters.
- The teenage skier, described as speaking English, fled the scene with the assistance of a blonde woman believed to be his mother.
- Police have recovered ski poles and skis potentially belonging to the fleeing skier.
- An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The collision took place at 3:15 p.m. on the red-rated runway 2, situated at an altitude of 1,444 meters. Witnesses reported that the second individual involved sustained an injury to his right thigh and subsequently fled the area, aided by a blonde woman. Police suspect the woman is the skier’s mother.
Investigators discovered rental Komperdell ski poles, 120 cm in length, at the accident site, believed to belong to the fleeing skier. He was reportedly wearing a black ski suit and a dark blue ski helmet. His white alpine skis are thought to be rental equipment from Bründl Sports. The skier is described as being between 170 and 175 cm tall, with brunette hair, and estimated to be 15 or 16 years old.
What happens when a ski accident results in a fatality? In cases of serious ski accidents, especially those resulting in death, Austrian authorities typically launch a thorough investigation involving forensic experts and alpine safety specialists to determine the circumstances and potential negligence involved.
The Salzburg public prosecutor has ordered a full autopsy of the deceased to establish the precise cause of death. An alpine expert has also been brought in to assess the conditions and dynamics of the accident, aiding in the investigation.
