A fatal skiing collision at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming on April 14 has been ruled a "homicide" by the county coroner, but it remains to be determined if a crime was committed.
A fatal skiing collision at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming, on April 14 has been ruled a "homicide" by the county coroner, but whether it is a crime is up to the authorities.
Skiing instructor Peter Wuerslin and an unidentified 34-year-old man collided with each other on the slopes, resulting in serious injuries. Wuerslin, 71, passed away three days later on April 17 from intracranial hemorrhage.
According to the coroner, the "homicide" designation refers to a death caused by another person, leaving it to the sheriff's office and prosecutor to determine if criminal culpability exists.
Wuerslin, a part-time instructor at the resort since 1978, was skiing with a group of friends when he was hit by the unidentified skier, who failed to maneuver around him.
Despite wearing a helmet, Wuerslin died due to severe brain damage, while the other skier was released from the hospital the same day.
The Teton County Sheriff's Office and the county prosecutor are currently investigating the incident, asking any eyewitnesses to contact Detective Bret Bommer.
Wuerslin, an avid cyclist and outdoors enthusiast, was known for his curiosity and desire to experience the world through the lens of cycling.
After news of his death broke, tributes poured in from the community, including a Facebook video by Angus Theuermer from a 2022 Idaho bike tour.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort president Mary Kate Buckley expressed their devastation and condolences to Wuerslin's family, emphasizing the importance of safe skiing practices.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of skiing and the responsibility of all skiers to maintain control on the slopes.
The investigation into the collision continues, and the determination of whether a crime was committed lies in the hands of the local authorities.
