21-year old skier dies after ‘high-risk’ stunt goes wrong
A skier has sadly died after attempting a 'high risk' stunt in Colorado.
Dallas LeBeau, 21, from Gilpin County, died earlier this week (Tuesday 9 April) after he tried to jump over a highway.
LeBeau was attempting to jump over Highway 40, but sadly did not make it.
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“The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attempting to perform a high-risk skiing stunt by trying to clear the width of Highway 40 and unfortunately lacked the necessary speed and distance and subsequently landed on the highway pavement,” the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Emergency services were called after LeBeau was found unconscious and not breathing at around 3.00pm.
Although a passerby performed CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The skier was wearing protective clothing at the time, including a helmet, the sheriff's office added.
LeBeau regularly performed stunts, his friend said after the tragic incident.
“He wanted to do things that nobody else had done,” Devin Shirk told KDVR-TV. “He always said his birthday was the same day as Evel Knievel.
“He encouraged other people to start skiing too.
"That was one of my favourite things about him too, is even if it wasn’t jumps, he would just be like, ‘You just gotta try skiing — it will change your life.' ”
Following the accident, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised on a GoFundMe page set up for LeBeau's family.
"Hi, my name is Devin. Dallas was a close friend of mine since before preschool. He was one of the most joyful and kind people you could ever meet," the page reads.
"He was always raising good spirits and loved to ski ever since he was 2.
"I wanted to start this GoFundMe to help the family of Dallas Lebeau with the costs of the funeral and the financial expenses that may come their way. And give them one less thing to stress about. Thank you."
The page has so far raised over $48,000 (£38,469).
"The skier death in the back country on Berthoud Pass is a tragic accident and CSCUSA offers our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends," Colorado Ski Country USA told FOX31.
"Whether skiing, snowboarding, or participating in another resort activity, we encourage everyone to keep safety top of mind as we head into the spring season."
Lucy Devine