Family and friends of a man seriously injured in a chairlift accident at Mount Hood Skibowl have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the financial burden from the accident.
On April 20, 2026, a chairlift accident at Mt. Hood Skibowl, Oregon, left one maintenance worker dead and another, Evan Parsons, seriously injured. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office reported that a maintenance basket had fallen from the Upper Bowl into steep, rugged terrain. Deputies, multiple fire agencies, search and rescue teams, and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement responded. Unfortunately, one victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Parsons, who survived the accident with serious injuries, was quickly airlifted to a local hospital via helicopter. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.
A GoFundMe for Parsons was launched on May 9 by organizer Kelsey Sayre, eight days after the accident occurred. Sayre explains that while workers’ compensation will cover the medical expenses, the accident has created significant additional financial strain.
Sayre wrote that Parsons “is one of the hardest-working, most dependable people you could ever meet.” She shared that he has been known to spend years serving his community and has always been there for his coworkers, friends, and those around him. “Now, after this tragic accident, Evan and Julia are facing an incredibly difficult and uncertain road ahead,” she added. Parsons and his partner Julia are facing lost income, rehabilitation costs, travel expenses, and other financial burdens associated with a long recovery.
The GoFundMe aims to raise $20,000 to help Parsons, as well as his partner, Julia, who, according to Sayre, has not left his side since the accident. So far, more than $15,000 has been raised since the fundraiser was created last week.
“Evan and Julia are incredibly thankful for all of the love, prayers, and support they’ve received so far. Every message, share, and donation has helped lighten the burden during an extremely difficult time, and they are deeply grateful for this amazing community standing behind them,” Sayre shared in an update.
