Ellery “Ellie” Curtis, a rising star in the world of skiing and a former NCAA All-American, has died following a tragic accident at Palisades Tahoe over the weekend. She was just 26.
Known for her fierce competitiveness on the slopes and her warmth off them, Curtis reportedly suffered a fatal head injury while skiing down Ahhh Chute, one of the more challenging runs off the KT-22 lift. The Placer County Sheriff’s Department received an emergency call at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, but Curtis had already passed away by the time help reached the scene, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Beloved Athlete, Devoted Advocate
Curtis grew up in San Francisco and built a strong reputation as a competitor during her college years at Dartmouth. She earned Second Team All-America honors in 2022 after placing eighth in the giant slalom at the NCAA Championships. She celebrated her first career win at Middlebury’s Snow Bowl that same year.
Off the mountain, Curtis made a name for herself as a thoughtful and driven individual. She worked as an analyst with the California Public Utilities Commission and actively participated in environmental efforts. Her Dartmouth coaches, John C. Dwyer and Anny Jenny, remembered her in an email as “kind, caring and involved in many organizations and environmental projects. Ellie was a hardworking, passionate, and driven student-athlete whose passions went beyond the snow.”
Ellie Curtis’s death adds to a string of recent tragedies in the area. On March 29, snowboarder Roman Lacayo died at Kirkwood Ski Resort. Just days later, seven-year-old Adelyn Grimes killed after a boulder struck her at Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Incline Village.
Palisades Tahoe acknowledged the loss in a statement, saying, “Our hearts go out to the Curtis family and everyone impacted by this devastating loss. Ellie was a beloved skier, and we feel deep sadness over this accident.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Olympics stories via Google! Follow Us
Curtis brought energy, talent, and heart to everything she pursued. Her loss leaves a deep void in the skiing community and among those who knew her beyond the sport.
Also Read: American Ski Legend Lindsey Vonn Shares Heartbreaking News
