Teen Loses Consciousness Before Fatal Cypress Mountain Chairlift Fall

A fatal incident at Cypress Mountain has raised urgent questions about head injuries on ski hills and what happens when skiers ignore symptoms after a crash.

An 18-year-old from Maple Ridge died after falling from a chairlift at the North Shore resort, prompting a coroner's investigation and renewed calls for skiers to seek immediate medical attention after hitting their head.

What Police Say Happened on the Cypress Mountain Chairlift

West Vancouver Police confirmed the teen lost consciousness moments before falling from the Sky Chair near the top of the mountain on Jan. 15.

The fall occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m., where the drop to the ski run below is approximately 50 feet. He was riding with his twin brother and friends at the time.

According to a statement from the teen's father shared publicly, the young man had fallen and hit his head earlier in the day while skiing. Before getting on the chairlift, he told his companions he was feeling very tired. As they approached the top station and the safety bar was lifted, he passed out, causing him to pitch forward and fall.

West Vancouver Police spokesperson Const. Kevin Goodmurphy confirmed that witness statements indicate the teen became unconscious immediately before the fall. Police have confirmed there were no mechanical issues with the chairlift.

The BC Coroners Service is investigating the exact cause of death.

Why Head Injuries on Ski Hills Are So Dangerous

The incident highlights a critical safety issue many skiers and snowboarders face: continuing to ski after hitting their head. Symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or confusion after a crash can signal a serious head injury that requires immediate medical attention.

First aid instructor Mark Kascha, who was among the first bystanders to respond, said the sequence of events meant the outcome was likely unavoidable once the teen was already on the chairlift. He described the situation as a series of compounding tragedies rather than a preventable accident.

Police confirmed that the loss of consciousness was connected to the earlier crash on the ski hill.

How Bystanders Responded to the Emergency

Kascha, who has more than 25 years of experience teaching first aid, said the response from the public was extraordinary. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, ski patrol and other volunteers stepped in to help within moments.

Despite the combined efforts of trained professionals and bystanders, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

West Vancouver Police said the department is deeply aware of the emotional toll such incidents take on families and responders.

What Support Is Available for Witnesses

Police and first responders acknowledge that witnessing a fatal incident can have lasting psychological effects.

Volunteers from the West Vancouver Police Department's victim services unit were present at the scene and remain available to anyone affected. Anyone seeking support can contact victim services at 604-925-7468.

Cypress Mountain issued a statement expressing condolences to the teen's family and confirming trained staff and ski patrol responded immediately.

What Every Skier Should Know About Head Injuries

This tragedy serves as a reminder that anyone who hits their head while skiing or snowboarding should stop immediately and seek medical attention, especially if they experience fatigue, confusion, or any change in how they feel. Continuing to ski after a head injury can have fatal consequences.