A 26-year-old skier from Los Angeles died last Friday after a skiing incident on an advanced run at Northstar California Resort in the Lake Tahoe area, according to local authorities. Resort ski patrol and Truckee-area fire crews tried to revive him on the mountain, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not given a full public account of what happened, and the case remains under investigation.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 26-year-old Nicholas Kenworthy of Los Angeles. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined, CBS Sacramento reported. The outlet noted the incident occurred at Northstar California Resort in the Truckee area, on the north side of Lake Tahoe.
Responding to reports of an incident on the Martis trail, an advanced run on the backside of the resort, Northstar ski patrol reached Kenworthy and began CPR. Truckee Fire crews arrived to find CPR already in progress and continued life-saving efforts while moving him to an ambulance pickup point, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to SFGATE.
“Northstar California Resort, Northstar Ski Patrol, and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family, loved ones, and friends,” Northstar Vice President and General Manager Tara Schoedinger said in a statement to KCRA. The resort said it is cooperating with local authorities as they look into the circumstances of the incident.
Investigation Remains Open
Investigators with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the county coroner are reviewing the case and examining the circumstances surrounding Kenworthy’s death. Officials have not publicly detailed how the accident occurred or whether any unsafe conditions played a role, according to CBS Sacramento.
Martis Trail And On-Mountain Risk
The Martis area is known for steeper, more technical terrain that is geared toward experienced skiers and riders. According to resort trail maps and guides such as OnTheSnow, roughly 27% of Northstar’s runs are classified as advanced. Ski patrols and local agencies regularly urge visitors to stay within their ability level and to follow posted warnings and closures, particularly on expert terrain.
The investigation into Kenworthy’s death is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details. This story will be updated if officials or the resort provide further information.
