A 21-year-old skier, Dallas LeBeau, died in a tragic accident while attempting to jump over Highway 40 near Berthoud Pass Summit in Grand County, Colorado.
The daring attempt occurred around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, when LeBeau failed to make the 40-foot leap across the highway, slamming into the pavement, leading to fatal consequences.
The Grand County Communications Center received a distressing 911 call reporting an unconscious man who was not breathing following the accident. Despite wearing a helmet and protective gear, LeBeau suffered critical injuries when he landed short on the highway pavement, as he did not achieve the necessary speed and distance to clear the highway safely. Emergency responders at the scene could not resuscitate him.
LeBeau, a resident of Gilpin County, was known for his affinity for extreme skiing stunts and his encouragement of others to engage in the sport. Childhood friend Devin Shirk shared with the local media that LeBeau was driven to accomplish feats no one else had attempted, often mentioning he shared a birthday with the legendary stunt performer Evil Knievel. Shirk also recalled how LeBeau passionately urged others to take up skiing. “He loved to get people into skiing,” Shirk said. “He always told them, ‘Just try skiing—it will change your life.'”
The incident caused significant disruptions to traffic on Highway 40 as authorities closed the road in both directions to facilitate emergency response and investigation. The area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowboarders but is also known for its potential dangers, which include sudden weather changes and the risk of accidents.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical teams responded swiftly to the scene. “Upon arrival, it was immediately clear that Mr. LeBeau had sustained injuries that were incompatible with life,” stated a sheriff’s office spokesperson. The Colorado Ski Country USA issued a statement expressing their condolences and reminding skiers and snowboarders about the importance of safety while engaging in such high-risk activities.
Following the incident, Colorado Ski Country USA, a trade association representing ski resorts across Colorado, issued a statement: “The tragic incident of a skier’s death at Berthoud Pass deeply saddens us, and Colorado Ski Country USA extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. As we approach the spring season, we urge everyone to prioritize safety, whether skiing, snowboarding, or engaging in other resort activities.
