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Danish skier killed in backcountry accident

Frederik Husted hit a rock after dropping off terrain feature
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The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that a skier who died on Phalanx Mountain in the backcountry of Blackcomb Mountain on Feb. 20 is Frederik Gordner Husted, aged 19.

Husted was originally from Denmark and had been living and working in Whistler Village since November after travelling here with two friends. Facebook and YouTube posts with his name attached indicate he spent a significant amount of time in the mountains and TV2 described him as a keen and competent skier.

It's believed that Husted dropped off a terrain feature in a rugged area, striking a rock upon landing.

His companion called emergency at roughly 1:50 p.m. to report the incident, which was relayed to Whistler Search and Rescue just after 2 p.m.

A Search and Rescue team was already responding with a helicopter to a broken ankle call on Rethel Mountain, near Wedge Mountain, when the call regarding Husted came in. The team had to quickly reconfigure the helicopter for a stretcher rescue at the base, but were able to fly out again by 2:20 p.m.

During that time they received updates regarding the status of the injured male. He reportedly lost consciousness and then later stopped breathing by the time the crew landed. Rescuers immediately started performing CPR.

The male was taken by helicopter to the municipal helipad and then by ambulance to the Whistler Health Care Centre, while lifesaving efforts continued. At the health care centre he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

It's believed the cause of death was blunt force trauma to his chest. The coroner's initial report only stated that Husted succumbed to "traumatic injuries."

The male was accompanied by one other skier, also believed to be a Danish national.

The area they were skiing was on the north side of Phalanx Mountain, on the other side of the ridge from the Blackcomb Glacier — an area known locally as the "Poop Chutes." Both men were expert skiers and were equipped for the backcountry.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.