Most slopegoers probably aren't thinking that they're at risk of committing a homicide when they head up the mountain, but that may change following an incident that took place at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Resort on closing day of the season.
According to SKI Magazine, the Teton County Coroner has categorized the death of a 71-year-old ski instructor who died following a serious collision with a 34-year-old mountain guest on April 14 as a homicide.
Essentially, it's been reported that the deceased skier, identified as Peter Wuerslin, was on an intermediate run when he was hit from behind by the other skier who "failed to maneuver" around him properly.
While the death was determined to be a homicide by the coroner, local news source Buckrail reports that this classification doesn't mean any criminal charges are certain. That said, there have been cases in the past when skiers have been charged with negligent homicide, including a case resulting from a Colorado accident in 1997.
It's likely a large number factors would also play into the decision of whether or not homicide charges get filed – witness reports will likely be important, as well as details related to aspects of the incident like drug and alcohol use and excessive speed.
Do you think a ski collision should sometimes result in homicide charges? If so, under what circumstances? Let us know in the comments.
Read the full report on the situation from SKI Magazine here.
(4) comments
More elements to this incident would be helpful. Did they know each other or have a prior altercation? Has the younger skier a record of reckless encounters? Were there eye witnesses to this tragedy?
Sounds like this person needs a lawyer.
It should be manslaughter. I think homicide presumes intent to kill unless drugs or alcohol are involved or it's a hit and run.
That sounds like a bit of a stretch. I sincerely doubt that there was any intent. Manslaughter, maybe.
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