Canadian dies in skicross accident

10th March 2012, by Chris Gill

The Jungfrau, where the World Cup skicross was taking place

Canadian skicross member Nick Zoricic has died in a fall at a World Cup event in Switzerland.

The 29-year-old skier suffered fatal head injuries in the crash at Grindelwald, where he was one of three skiers taking part in the race. Zoricic took a jump but misjudged his landing and crashed into the safety netting at the side of the course. In the tumble he hit his head, fatally.

Zoricic was airlifted to hospital but pronounced dead shortly afterwards. In a statement, the International Ski Federation said the 29-year-old died as a result of ‘severe neurotrauma.’ The race events were subsequently cancelled, including the World Cup final – scheduled to take place in Grindelwald on Sunday.

Zoricic was well-known on the skicross circuit, finishing eighth in the World Championships in Deer Valley, Utah, last winter.

Following news of the Canadian’s death, the British Ski Cross team commented: ‘Such a sad day for Ski Cross and skiing. Ski Cross has lost a truly wonderful person today.’

• racing
• world cup
• grindelwald
• skicross

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