Two Park City lifts closed as workers mourn employee who fell to his death

PARK CITY, Utah — An employee at the Park City Mountain ski resort fell to their death Monday after a tree fell on a chairlift.

According to a statement from the resort, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a tree fell on the line of the Short Cut chairlift. Following this, chairs on the lift began moving vertically up and down. 

A 29-year-old employee from Millcreek on duty fell at least 25 feet as a result.

Despite Park City Mountain ski patrol performing lifesaving efforts, the employee did not survive the fall.

“The Park City Mountain team – as well as the entire Vail Resorts team – extend our deepest sympathy and support to the family and friends of our team member,” said Deirdra Walsh, Park City Mountain vice president & chief operating officer in a statement. “We are all deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and we will be providing support for our employees as we grieve this devastating loss.”

The resort says the remaining 10 people on the chairlift were evacuated safely.

The statement said several other surrounding chairlifts were closed after the incident.

These lifts are expected to reopen on Tuesday. Short Cut will remain closed as an investigation into the death continues.

The family requested additional time before releasing the name of their son. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office anticipates releasing his name on the morning on January 4, 2023. 

“The entire Summit County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends, the Park City Mountain Ski Patrol team that worked to save one of their own, and the entire Park City Mountain team as they grieve this tragic loss,” said the sheriff’s office.

Related reading:

• High winds cause ski lift closures in Utah
• Skier found dead at Deer Valley ski resort
• One skier injured in avalanche in Little Cottonwood Canyon

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