3 days ago
Snowboarder, 22, who died at Aussie ski resort was an American on a working holiday - as the cause of the fatal accident is revealed
A young snowboarder who tragically died at one of Australia's most popular ski resorts has been identified as an American student.
Drew Youngquist, 22, sustained fatal injuries after colliding with a padded pole at Perisher Ski Resort, in the Snowy Mountains, about 2.30pm on Tuesday,
A helicopter and several ambulance crews rushed to the crash site but, sadly, Mr Youngquist died at the scene.
The young student had arrived in Australia in May to work as seasonal Winter Operations Staff member for an education company, Action Learning Initiatives, based in nearby Jindabyne.
Mr Youngquist was studying Emergency Medical Services at the University of Utah and wrote online of his goal to become 'a physician who doesn't just treat symptoms'.
'I want to listen, to understand, and to seek out others' stories,' he wrote.
The 22-year-old was also an experienced skier, having grown up in one of America's top skiing destinations and home of the 2022 Winter Olympics - Salt Lake City, Utah.
He even worked as ski patrol and medical staff at Utah Olympic Park.
'I grew up skiing from a young age at Snowbasin resort. After my dad taught me how to ski, I decided I wanted to snowboard and taught myself that,' Mr Youngquist wrote online.
'I recently got into ski touring and got my avalanche rescue certifications.
'I even enjoy working on my skis and just finished my first season as a ski patroller.'
Action Learning Intiative's director Nathan Brown told the Daily Telegraph Mr Youngquist's colleagues were shattered.
'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Drew yesterday. He was a much-loved member of our team at ALI,' Mr Brown said.
'He was a warm and loving young man full of energy and passion for the outdoors.
'We will miss him, and our thoughts are with his family in Utah during this tragic time.'
The family of Mr Youngquist learned of his death in the hours after the accident.
'Perisher Ski Resort, Ski Patrol, and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest's family and friends,' Perisher vice president manager Nathan Butterworth said.
Mr Youngquist was injured in Front Valley Terrain Park, which features jumps ranging from 4.6 metres to 9.1 metres.
Those include some of the biggest jumps at the resort, which is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere.
It is made up of four villages and boasts 1,245 skiable hectares and more than 100km of marked cross country trails.
Most of the resort caters to beginner and intermediate skiers, with about 18 per cent dedicated to advanced sportsmen.
Perisher is located on Mount Kosciuszko and reopened for the 2025 snow season on June 7.
'Every season, this park attracts and challenges professional athletes from all over the world due to its constantly evolving features,' its website states.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
