Industry News
Authorities have identified Kendall Willard, a 63-year-old snowboarder from Kingfield, Maine, as the victim of a fatal accident at Sugarloaf Mountain on Saturday morning. The incident occurred on a closed trail known for hazardous icy conditions.
Carrabassett Valley Police Chief Mark Lopez reported that Willard dropped his glove while riding a ski lift and attempted to retrieve it after dismounting. He ventured onto the closed trail, removed his snowboard, and walked toward the glove. Tragically, he lost his footing and slid approximately 800 feet down the icy slope, hitting trees at the bottom.
Ski patrol responded quickly to the scene around 9 a.m. and found Willard unresponsive. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m. The Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined blunt force trauma as the cause of death.
Sugarloaf Mountain confirmed the incident, expressing condolences to Willard’s family while respecting their privacy. Chief Lopez also extended his sympathies to Willard’s loved ones, describing him as a sociable and “happy-go-lucky” individual.
This marks a rare fatality at Sugarloaf Mountain, with no skiing or snowboarding deaths recorded last year. Investigations into the accident are ongoing to ensure no foul play was involved.
Entering closed trails at ski resorts is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Closed areas are marked for a reason—typically due to hazardous conditions such as icy slopes, unstable snow, or hidden obstacles. These risks are often unpredictable and beyond the control of even experienced skiers or snowboarders. If you drop an item while on a lift or anywhere on the mountain, it’s crucial to call ski patrol rather than attempt retrieval yourself. Ski patrol is trained to safely access restricted areas and recover lost belongings, ensuring both your safety and the safety of others on the mountain.
