03-03-2025
Man killed in Aspen ski crash remembered for quiet demeanor, adventurous spirit
DENVER (KDVR) — A 76-year-old man of both Houston and Aspen died in a skiing accident on Feb. 26 in Aspen and is being remembered for his quiet demeanor and adventurous spirit.
According to an obituary marking his life, Clifford Hastings 'Hasty' Johnson 'died doing something he loved in a place he loved.'
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An Aspen Skiing Co. spokesperson provided a brief statement to FOX31 after the Pitkin County Coroner's Office identified Johnson following his crash.
'We can confirm that Hasty Johnson suffered a fall in Highlands Bowl yesterday, February 26,' the ski resort spokesperson said. 'An Aspen Highlands paramedic patroller was on-site and responded immediately. The patroller called in a helicopter for assistance in transportation to Aspen Valley Hospital. Hasty had a long history here in Aspen and will be remembered fondly. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.'
Johnson retired from Hines, a global real estate investment management firm, as Vice Chairman in 2023, boasting a 45-year career wherein he initiated the firm's acquisition program and investment management business, according to his obituary, which was originally published in the Houston Chronicle.
Johnson was remembered for his humor in the face of inclement circumstances, and for his adventures while hiking, skiing, rock climbing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, biking, fishing and bird hunting, as well as diving into the coral reefs of the South Pacific and fishing in Matagorda Bay.
'This quiet man will speak volumes to all who knew and loved him for the rest of our lives, as we attempt to model his competence, humility and adventurous spirit,' the family wrote in Johnson's obituary.
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The obituary noted that Johnson is survived by his wife of 46 years, Edith 'Sis' Johnson; two daughters; and three siblings. A memorial service is planned to be held in Houston.
This is not Aspen's first ski death of the season. In January, a 22-year-old woman was killed after skiing into a tree on the Exhibition ski run at Aspen Highlands. Additionally, Lynn Ban, the star of Netflix's reality show 'Bling Empire: New York' died weeks after a skiing accident in Aspen, which prompted emergency brain surgery.
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