Skier dies at Mt. Hood

Just after 2 p.m., Hood River County 9-1-1 was notified of a skier who had hit a tree. The incident occurred on the Arena run at the resort.

Desch was skiing with a friend, who had gone ahead. Other skiers saw Desch go over a rise, and found his body.

Mt. Hood Meadows ski patrollers arrived within minutes of the reported accident, but the victim was unresponsive and attempts by medical personnel to revive him were unsuccessful.

Sheriff Matt English said Desch apparently died of traumatic injuries when he hit the tree. According to Sheriff’s records, it is the first death at Meadows since January 2011.