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Skier dies after apparently colliding with tree at Purgatory Resort

The skier has been identified as a 70-year-old man from Texas.
Credit: Bill Brewer

LA PLATA COUNTY, Colo. — A skier died Saturday after apparently crashing into a tree at Purgatory Resort.

According to a resort spokesperson, Purgatory Ski Patrol responded to a call to assist a skier on one of their intermediate runs. 

Before Ski Patrol got there, the spokesperson said, a resort guest had initiated CPR to the skier, who had apparently collided with a tree.

The spokesperson said Ski Patrol continued trauma protocol until about 12:40 p.m. About 1:15 p.m., resort officials learned that the skier had died.

The La Plata County Coroner Office identified the skier as Joel Eastman, 70, of Dallas, Texas.

“Purgatory Resort, Ski Patrol and the entire Purgatory community extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the guest who was lost today,” said Dave Rathbun, general manager for Purgatory Resort.

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Purgatory Resort is located in La Plata County in southwestern Colorado, about 27 miles north of Durango. 

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