Man Died Skiing Following Apparent Tree Strike at Lake Tahoe Resort

A man died following an apparent tree strike at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, NV during the holidays.

Firefighter and ski instructor Damien Rivadeneyra, 37, of Reno, was skiing alone Dec. 27, resort spokesperson Mike Ferrari told the Tahoe Daily Tribune. His body was found at the base of a tree.

“It’s really sad, but ultimately, he was doing something he loved,” Ferrari said.

Officials attempted resuscitation at the scene and Rivadeneyra was airlifted to Renown Hospital in Reno where he was declared dead, Ferrari said. Rivadeneyra had worked as an instructor at the resort for almost twenty years.