Tragic Death of Snowboarder Kendall Willard at Sugarloaf
In a heartbreaking incident at Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, 63-year-old snowboarder Kendall Willard tragically lost his life after falling on a closed trail. The accident occurred on a trail that was not open to the public at the time, raising concerns about safety protocols and trail access at the resort.
Willard, a resident of Kingfield, Maine, was an avid snowboarder known for his passion for the sport. He was discovered on the trail by other skiers, who immediately alerted ski patrol personnel. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of the fall remains under investigation by the Carrabassett Valley Police Department.
This incident marks the first fatality at Sugarloaf since January 2012, when a 41-year-old skier died after striking a tree on the Lower Timberline trail. In that case, the skier was reportedly wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.
In the wake of Willard’s death, the ski community has been reminded of the inherent risks associated with snowboarding and skiing. While wearing helmets has become more common, with studies indicating that 67 percent of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets during the 2011-12 season, the fatality rate has remained steady over the years.
Sugarloaf officials have expressed their condolences to Willard’s family and are cooperating with authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The resort has also reiterated its commitment to safety and is reviewing its policies regarding trail access and closure enforcement.
As the community mourns this loss, there is a renewed focus on ensuring that all skiers and snowboarders adhere to safety guidelines and respect trail closures to prevent future tragedies.
