Woman Dies While Skiing in Sun Valley

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — Central Idaho authorities say a 38-year-old Hailey woman died while skiing at Sun Valley Resort's Bald Mountain after apparently hitting a tree. Authorities say other skiers found Melanie Kendall unconscious about 4 p.m. Wednesday near the Roundhouse Lane ski track.

Blaine County Coroner Russ Mikel tells the Idaho Mountain Express Kendall was skiing alone and there were no witnesses to what might have happened. Ketchum Fire Department Chief Mike Elle says Sun Valley Ski Patrol and then paramedics attempted life-saving measures.

Mikel says Kendall never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center. Sun Valley Resort spokesman Jack Sibbach says Kendall was wearing a helmet. Mikel says an autopsy is planned but it will take at least eight weeks for results.