BEND, Ore. – A 13-year-old boy from Anacortes, Washington, tragically died on Wednesday after crashing into a tree while snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor. The incident occurred around 11:16 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the boy was reported missing, and an extensive search effort ensued. Ski patrol members located the unresponsive child in a wooded area near the Sunrise chairlift. Despite lifesaving efforts, the boy was transported to Mt. Bachelor’s medical facility, where he was pronounced dead at 12:05 p.m.

Investigators believe the accident occurred when the boy crashed into a tree approximately 400 meters uphill from the Sunrise Lodge. Although he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, no witnesses were present to provide further details on the incident.

“This is a devastating loss for our community, a family, and first responders,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp. “Our hearts go out to the boy’s family, friends, first responders, and everyone affected by this tragedy today. I am incredibly grateful to the ski patrol and emergency personnel who responded with urgency and compassion.”

The identity of the boy has not been released to the public by the sheriff’s office, in accordance with family privacy. However, Mt. Bachelor expressed their condolences in a statement, offering sympathies to the family and friends of the young snowboarder.

This tragic incident comes less than a month after another fatality at Mt. Bachelor, where a skier from Seattle died after falling into a tree well. The region has seen five snow-sport-related deaths this year, including three fatalities from separate avalanches that occurred earlier in the season.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Mt. Bachelor, in response to the increasing number of incidents this year, has urged all visitors to remain vigilant and prioritize safety while enjoying the slopes.