Kendall Willard Death and Obituary – On the weekend of April 5, a tragic accident occurred at Sugarloaf Mountain, resulting in the death of a 63-year-old man from Kingfield, Maine. The individual has been identified as Kendall Willard, and his death has been confirmed by the Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Authorities have released further details about the accident, shedding light on the unfortunate circumstances that led to his fatal injuries.
According to Carrabassett Valley Police Chief Mark Lopez, the incident unfolded when Willard, while riding a chairlift at Sugarloaf, accidentally dropped an item. In an attempt to retrieve it, Willard disembarked from the lift and found himself on a trail that was closed due to hazardous icy conditions. Reports indicate that the trail had been marked off to prevent skiers and snowboarders from accessing it due to the dangerous ice, which presented a significant risk to anyone venturing onto it.
Despite the closed trail, Willard decided to walk down it, likely unaware of the dangers posed by the icy surface. Unfortunately, while walking, he lost his footing and slid into a group of trees, sustaining severe injuries. This ultimately led to his tragic death. While the exact nature of his injuries is still being determined by medical examiners, the impact of the fall combined with the icy conditions likely contributed to the severity of the accident.
Initially, a spokesperson from Sugarloaf Mountain had reported the incident, indicating that the person who had passed away was skiing, and described it as an “untimely death.” The spokesperson did not immediately confirm the details surrounding the identity or the nature of the accident. However, further investigation by local authorities revealed that the man was not skiing but was instead snowboarding at the time of the accident, as confirmed by the Medical Examiner’s office.
The tragic incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, on the popular resort’s slopes. This news has deeply affected the local community, especially those who frequent Sugarloaf and those who are familiar with Willard. Residents and fellow skiers have expressed their condolences, with many describing Willard as a regular visitor to the area, known for his love of winter sports.
Sugarloaf Mountain has a history of being a prime destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the Northeast. However, the conditions during the weekend were particularly treacherous due to recent cold weather, which created unsafe surfaces on certain trails. Although the trail where the accident occurred had been closed for safety reasons, the circumstances of Willard’s decision to walk down the icy path highlight the inherent risks associated with mountain sports, particularly in spring conditions when trails can become more challenging.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, but for now, they are working with the Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of Willard’s death. This unfortunate incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines, especially in areas where conditions can change rapidly and present unforeseen dangers.
The Sugarloaf community and the town of Carrabassett Valley are mourning the loss of Kendall Willard, and the incident has prompted a renewed focus on mountain safety, particularly when weather conditions take a turn for the worse.
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