Tragedy Strikes Hogadon Ski Area Near Casper Wyoming

A tragic accident occurred at the Hogadon Ski Area in Casper on Friday December 24th. Five year old Elise Johnson and twenty three year old Craig Shirley were killed in a collision on the Wyoming ski slope on Christmas Eve. Coroners report both Johnson and Shirley died from massive chest injuries.

Craig Shirley, 23, was snowboarding at fast speeds at the Hogadon Ski Area south of Casper, Wyoming, unaware that Elise and her mother Kelli were stopped on the run. Kelli Johnson was helping her daughter attach her skis near the end of an advanced run when Shirley collided into the two. Elise Johnson and  Craig Shirley died of blunt force trauma. Kelli Johnson, who was also involved in the collision suffered head injuries and was in stable condition at a Casper hospital.

Coroner Connie Jacobson said her research shows a double fatality from a ski collision is rare at best. "I can't find any literature that shows where an accident between two skiers killed both; this is very unusual," she said.

The Johnson family as well as Craig Shirley are all from Casper. Wyoming officials said  Craig Shirley was experienced on the slopes. Kelli Johnson, also an experienced skier, is a member of the area's ski patrol. Out of the three involved in the accident, reports state that Elise Johnson was the only one of the three wearing a helmet.

Lt. Mark Sellers of the Natrona County Sheriff's Office said, "It's the first fatality of this magnitude that anyone can remember at Hogadon." The Hogadon Ski Area is one of nine in Wyoming and is moderately sized and caters to all levels of skiers. According to the National Ski Areas Association, the double fatality came amid an overall decline in serious injuries and deaths at developed ski areas in the United States. Approximately 40 people die in accidents every year at ski resorts, which averages to about four people per million skiers and snowboarders, according to a study by the ski association.

To prevent injuries and possible deaths while skiing people should know the inherent risks while on the mountains. Skiing is meant to be enjoyable. Possible risks should be addressed and individuals should know their limits as well as be aware of their surroundings.

Here are some simple safety tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time skiing.

One of the best skiing safety tips is really a matter of personal choice - to wear, or not to wear, a helmet while skiing. Both the NSP (National Ski Patrol) and the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) encourage wearing a helmet, but, it isn’t mandated.

If you consider those who routinely wear protective headgear, including football and baseball players, construction workers, horseback riders, rock climbers, bicyclers, auto racers, and motorcycle riders - it certainly makes sense that skiers should be just as careful. The most important safety tip that I would personally give to any level skier, is to wear a certified helmet. The other safety tips listed below are important too.

Ski Safety Tips

Exercise in advance. You will have much more fun on the slopes if you're in good shape. Work your way up to skiing by exercising year-round on a regular basis.

Use proper ski equipment. Don't borrow equipment. Rent from a ski shop or the ski resort. When buying equipment, make sure your ski boots are fitted properly. In both cases, make sure your bindings are properly adjusted.

Wear a helmet. Wearing protective headgear while skiing makes good sense. The most important tip I would offer to all parents and guardians ­is to give a child no choice but to wear a helmet.

Prepare for the weather. Wear layers of clothes and wear a helmet liner, a hat, or a headband. Wear gloves or mittens. Bring an extra pair in case the first pair gets wet.

Get proper instruction. Sign up for ski lessons (either individual or group). Even experienced skiers polish up their skills with a lesson now and then.

Wear goggles. Wear ski goggles that fit properly around your helmet. If you wear eyeglasses, buy goggles that fit comfortably over your eyeglasses or consider prescription goggles.

Take a break. If you're tired, take a break and rest for a while in the lodge. While you're resting, make sure you eat and drink enough. Skiing burns a lot of energy! When it's the end of the day, there's no need to try and get in a last run, or two, if you are tired. It's better to quit while you're ahead and save your energy for next time.

Ski with a friend. It's always safer to ski with a friend so he can watch out for you and vice versa. Prearrange a meeting place in case you get separated and use walkie-talkies to stay in touch.

Respect your limits. Do not ski trails that are above your skill level. Trails will be clearly marked (Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond) as to what level skier they are appropriate for. On a similar note, stay in control of your skis and focus on the trail you are skiing. Accidents happen more readily when we are distracted.

Follow the rules. Do not go off-trail. Obey posted trail closure and other warning signs. They are there for a reason. Remember that skiers who are in front of you, and below you, on the trail have the right-of-way.

Please visit http://skiing.about.com/od/safetyforskiers/a/skisafety.htm for more information.