Skier falls, dies on Mt. Sopris

Staff Report
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
April 26, 2008

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CARBONDALE, Colorado — A skier, who fell near the summit of a chute on Mt. Sopris, was found dead Friday evening.

Lathrop Strang, 46, was injured at approximately 10 a.m. after falling down the length of the Laundry chute off the mountain’s eastern peak, according to a member in Strang’s four-person party.

Mountain Rescue Aspen and St. Anthony’s Flight for Life helicopter were called to assist. The helicopter landed within approximately 50 yards of Strang at about 5:45 p.m. and it was confirmed that he died from the injuries suffered from the fall.

The exact nature of the injuries are pending the results of an autopsy.

Authorities first responded when Aspen/Pitkin County Combined Communications was notified that a four-member skier party was four hours overdue. Pitkin County deputies came into contact with one of the skiers in the overdue party after arriving at the Prince Creek and West Sopris intersection. The deputies then learned of the accident and contacted Mountain Rescue Aspen and St. Anthony’s Flight for Life.