American Snowboarder Dies in Accident at Australian Ski Resort
A 22-year-old American snowboarder, Drew Youngquist, has died following a collision with a padded pole at Perisher Ski Resort in the Snowy Mountains of Australia on Tuesday.
Background
Youngquist, a medical student from Utah, was on a working holiday in Australia, employed as a seasonal Winter Operations Staff member for Action Learning Initiatives, based in nearby Jindabyne.
He had arrived in the country in May and was an experienced skier and snowboarder, having grown up in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Accident Details
The accident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm on Tuesday in Front Valley Terrain Park, which features jumps ranging from 4.6 to 9.1 metres.
Youngquist suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the efforts of a helicopter and ambulance crews.
Reaction from Employers and Authorities
Action Learning Initiatives’ director, Nathan Brown, expressed the company’s deep sadness at Youngquist’s passing, describing him as a “warm and loving young man full of energy and passion for the outdoors.”
Perisher Ski Resort’s vice president, Nathan Butterworth, extended the resort’s sympathy and support to Youngquist’s family and friends.
A report on the incident will be prepared for the coroner.