NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A 27-year-old man who was reported missing on Tuesday was found dead after a skiing accident near a Vermont ski resort, according to police.
The skier, Brooks Ralph, of Cold Springs, was reported missing at around 6:30 p.m., according to the Stowe Police Department.
Ralph, an investment associate at Hunter Point Capital, had been skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, according to the people who reported him missing.
Ralph’s body was found just before midnight in a steep, wooded area outside the resort boundary above the Upper Perry Merrill trail by Stowe Mountain Rescue staff members.
He was already dead when found and the incident is currently under investigation.
His body was taken to the Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where they will determine the exact cause of death.
Police said a preliminary investigation indicates that this was an accidental death.
“As skiers ourselves, we understand the draw to explore the backcountry and we’re devastated at the senseless loss of such a beautiful, adventurous young life,” Stowe Mountain Rescue wrote in a post on Facebook.
In light of the tragic event, Stowe Mountain Rescue reiterated safety advice for backcountry skiing.
The guidelines include skiing in familiar terrain or with a knowledgeable guide, never skiing alone, informing someone about your plans, and being equipped for self-rescue or survival. They also encourage skiers to proactively seek help if they sense danger.