Copper Mountain Sledding Accident: Identity and cause of death of Prairie Central High School students revealed

On Monday, March 20, the Summit County Sheriff’s office announced that two teens died in a skiing accident at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort. The two youngsters were on spring break when the horrific incident occurred. The investigation into the case is ongoing.

Law enforcement responded to the accident at Copper Mountain Ski Resort at around 8.35 pm. The two male students were riding down a halfpipe and launched off of a large snowbank at the bottom of the halfpipe.

They were on single plastic sleds, which is not permitted in the area, that was also closed to guests. They reportedly came down hard on the ice, which is what led to their deaths.

According to the Summit County Sheriff’s office, despite immediate medical emergency services being called for, the two individuals did not survive the accident and “were pronounced dead on the scene.”

The Sheriff’s press release also concurred that the two youngsters died from blunt force trauma once they hit the hard ice.

The Copper Mountain Ski Resort is located near Breckenridge and is 75 miles west of Denver.

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Dylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr died in the Copper Mountain skiing accident

Prairie Central Superintendent Paula Crane confirmed the identities of the two teenagers who passed away. Dylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr were seniors at Prairie Central High School in Illinois.

Dylan Bazzell was interested in athletics and played on the football and basketball teams this school year. He served as the kicker, receiver, and defensive back for the Hawks football team.

Drew Fehr also played for the school football and basketball team during his senior year. Being the football team captain, he was the leading rusher, scorer, and tackler. He had three receiving touchdowns under his belt. Fehr was also a talented basketball player who took the school team to the regional championship.

Crane said in a statement to Today:

“Both were great students, talented athletes, and most importantly amazing people. They were role models for all who knew them, especially our young athletes throughout the district. The Prairie Central Community continues to mourn their loss, and will support their families, our staff members, and our students throughout the grieving process.”

On the school district's website, Crane stated that they were “committed to doing everything we can to help our students and staff with the grieving and healing process.” It was also announced that the district had partnered with a Fairbury Baptist Church “to offer counseling, prayer, and a place for students to gather” to cope with the loss of the two youngsters.

Dustin Lyman, Copper Mountain’s president and general manager, also released a statement offering their condolences to the grieving family and friends. He also thanked emergency responders for their work. The resort also announced that safety is its utmost priority and said:

“We’d ask our guests to please observe posted signs and warnings and not enter closed trails and areas.”

The sheriff’s office also warned skiers to practice safe snow-riding habits and to "be aware of the risks" associated with the sport.