Vail Skier Dies After Freak Chairlift Accident

A man died last week from accidental hanging after falling off a Vail Chairlift and getting caught in his ski jacket. Wikimedia photo.

According to the Aspen Times, a skier fell off a Vail chairlift and died last Thursday. The death was ruled an accident and was attributed to the fact that the 46-year-old man, Jason Varnish from New Jersey, slipped through the seat of the chair, causing his ski jacket to wrap around his neck and compromise his airway. According to witnesses, the folding seat on the chair was in the upright position, allowing the man to fall through the seat.

RELATED: Vail Resorts Issues Letter Following Last Weekend's Lift Lines

Vail issued the following statement:

“Vail Mountain confirms a serious incident that took place yesterday involving a 46-year-old man from New Jersey. The incident occurred when the guest attempted to load the Skyline Express lift (Chair 37). Vail Mountain Ski Patrol responded to the incident and performed CPR and emergency care on scene before the guest was transported to Vail Health, where he was pronounced deceased.”

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stash member Max Ritter

I manage digital content here at TGR, run our gear testing program, and am stoked to be living the dream in the Tetons.