When snowboarder Aline Christina Martins, 19, of Santa Barbara, California was found dead at Dodge Ridge on Monday February 16, 2009 it was originally thought that she suffocated. Now an autopsy reveals that it was actually hypothermia, according to a story on My Motherload.com.
Deputy Paul Tualla with the Sheriff’s Office says, “An autopsy was performed, and the cause of death has been determined to be hypothermia.” . . . Many of the facts surrounding her death still remain unknown. Martins’ was snowboarding at the resort with family and became separated from the group. At 4;30pm ski patrol began an extensive search and she was located at 5:30pm underneath a tree off one of the main routes. She did not have any noticeable signs of trauma.
[Link: My Motherlode and San Jose Mercury News]
Sorry to hear this. I think if more snowboarders were properly prepared, preventable ‘deaths on-hill’ can be a thing of the past. I know this won’t be the last story like this…my condolences to the family and to all that loved her.
You cant stop nature from happening. It Happens even when u are prepared. Its the rish of big mountain.
so sorry to hear about this.
Nut i still wonder did she wreck and couldnt move or just sat down because she was lost from the group and then got cold? Because if she wasnt hurt and she was inbounds i just dont see why she didnt make it out. It sucks though. Ive gotten stuck in situations alone and it gets scary but as long as you stay calm someone usually comes along. Not that that was the case.
And my other question is.. shes 19.. and she survives without her cell phone? Why didnt she have it on her? didnt want to loose it. thats my only guess.
I knew Aline personally.
She fell into a tree well and two feet of snow covered her. she would have NEVER just sat there, she would have done everything she could have to get out of there. she loved life and loved living. she wanted to work with kids and had so much love to give. she had so much going for her. i just miss her.
Comments on this entry are closed.