Ski area investigates road death

Mt Hutt Ski Area near Christchurch is investigating the death of a 60 year old man who died when his car left the ski area access road yesterday afternoon (Monday, June 14).

The NZSki-owned ski area launched a search and rescue operation last night when notified by Police that the man had not returned to his Christchurch home.

At 3.30 am this morning (Tuesday, June 15), Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson accompanied by a ski patroller and two search and rescue personnel found the car in a gully below an area known as Shady Corner towards the base of the access road. The man’s body was located beside the car.

It is unclear why the vehicle left the road.

Mr Wilson said the road conditions were normal for the season with a surface of compacted snow and grit and that visibility was clear during the afternoon.

NZSki CEO James Coddington said the company was shocked by the man’s death

“This is a very sad day for this man’s family and for Mt Hutt. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, “he said.

The Police and Serious Crash Unit are investigating the crash and Mt Hutt is also following its own investigation procedure.

endsS

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