Ottawa girl dies after chairlift accident at Quebec ski hill

A 13-year-old girl from Ottawa has died after being critically injured in a chairlift incident at Centre Vorlage near Wakefield, Quebec, last week, her family announced Sunday evening. The girl was on a school trip when her clothing became entangled in the ski lift as she attempted to dismount on Wednesday.

“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter passed away today,” the family said in a statement released by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). “We would like to thank our community for their support and the outpouring of love we have received over the last few days.”

The family also expressed gratitude to the first responders and medical staff who worked to save their daughter. They highlighted her “sweet, bubbly spirit and love for those around her” and announced that she was a Trillium Gift of Life organ donor, with her gifts potentially saving lives.

According to the MRC des Collines de l’Outaouais police, the incident occurred as the girl was about to get off the chairlift at the top of the hill. A piece of her clothing became caught, leaving her suspended from the chairlift. Witnesses were unable to assist due to the height, and a decision was made to lower the chairlift to the ground.

First responders and two doctors who happened to be at the ski hill performed CPR before she was transported to hospital in Wakefield and then transferred to CHEO in Ottawa.

Ski hill and school board respond

Centre Vorlage released a statement on Facebook expressing profound sadness at the news of the girl’s death. “Our entire organization is deeply saddened by this loss. We extend our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, and the members of her school community as they mourn this devastating loss,” the statement read. The ski hill confirmed its full cooperation with authorities and support for its employees, and community.

Osgoode Coun. Isabelle Skalski shared her heartbreak on social media, extending condolences to the girl’s family, friends, and school community. She noted that many in the community wore purple, the girl’s favorite color, as a symbol of support over the weekend.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board announced on Thursday that all ski trips involving chairlifts were suspended while staff work to understand the details of the accident. “Student well-being is always paramount,” the board said in a statement, adding that mental health support was available for students and staff.

The family has requested that those wishing to honor the girl’s memory consider making a donation to the PICU and Child Life team at CHEO through the CHEO Foundation. https://cheofoundation.com/