Ski patrol member dies in Mt. Ashland back country

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A member of Mt. Ashland’s ski patrol died in an apparent accident just outside the ski area boundaries. The as-yet unidentified 23-year-old man was skiing with a group of ski patrol members along back country on the south end of the mountain when he reportedly struck a tree about 1:31 p.m. Saturday, according to a release issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Other ski patrol members rushed to his aid, and transported the man back up the slope to the ski area. Medical personnel attempted to revive him before pronouncing him dead at 3:37 p.m., according the sheriff’s office. The man’s name will be released at a later date to allow time for family to be notified of his death. The cause of death is still under investigation, according to the sheriff’s office. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office has scheduled an autopsy for today.