Snowboarder Dies In Mammoth Tree Well

by The Editors on March 5, 2010

Snowboarder Erica Patterson, 43, of Hidden Hills, California was found dead in a tree well on Saturday, February 27, 2010 on Mammoth Mountain’s Lincoln Mountain, according to a story in the Orange County Register.

At 1:30 p.m. Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol were told that Patterson. . . had become separated from her husband while snowboarding through the trees. . . .Ski patrollers searched the area and at 4:25 p.m. found Patterson about 50 yards off the side of a run in a tree well. Patterson was found when a senior ski patroller probed tree wells and first discovered her snowboard buried under the snow.

The Mono County Sherriff’s office is investigating Patterson’s death, according to the story, but officials believe she suffocated under about three feet of snow. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

[Link: OC Register]

Estes March 6, 2010 at 9:09 pm

This is why I keep my wife and daughter in my sights when riding…..you can never predict this situation. My deepest heart felt condolences to her husband and may he find strength in life.

Arlene Zimmerman March 9, 2011 at 9:15 am

What a tragedy for the Crystal and Patterson Family and for all of
us that knew this lovely lady.
I just learned of her death from her Aunt Devora, that I worked with at
IPI many years ago. Erica was the Best of the Best. A Rhodes Scholar,
a generous person and the love of Bob, Geri and Sam. I didn’t know
her kids or husband, but may her memories keep them strong.
Sadly,
Arlene Zimmmerman in Elmhurst Il

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