A 13-year-old girl who was critically injured after her clothing got tangled in the ski lift at a hill near Wakefield, Que., has died, her family says.
In a statement released Sunday by Ottawa children’s hospital CHEO, the family said they were “devastated” to share the news.
“We would like to thank our community for their support and the outpouring of love we have received over the last few days. We would like to extend our love to all of those affected by this terrible tragedy,” the family wrote.
“We are also grateful for everyone who took heroic action to help save our precious child.”
The girl was on a class trip to Centre Vorlage near Wakefield, Que., on Feb. 11 and was about to dismount the chairlift at the top of the hill when her clothes became tangled in the machinery.
Adults tried to free her, ultimately deciding the best way to get her off the chair was to bring it back to the bottom of the hill, western Quebec police said last week.
When she arrived at the bottom, she was not breathing, police said.
First responders were waiting with two doctors who happened to be at the hill that day. They performed CPR and the girl was first rushed to hospital in Wakefield before being transferred to CHEO.
In a French-language statement sent to Radio-Canada on Sunday, Centre Vorlage co-owner Alexandre Gaboury said the entire organization was “deeply saddened” by the girl’s death.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones who are experiencing this extremely painful loss,” Gaboury said. “We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities and will continue to provide all necessary support to our employees and our community.”
Centre Vorlage has been closed since the incident but said in a social media post Sunday afternoon that its restaurant would open Monday followed by a “light reopening” of the hill on Tuesday.
“Safety remains an absolute priority for our entire team, and the resort will continue its efforts to ensure a careful and respectful return to normal operations for everyone affected by this tragic accident,” the post said.
Police are investigating the incident. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec, which is responsible for inspecting ski lifts in the province, will also look at whether a mechanical malfunction played a role in what happened.
The girl’s family also thanked CHEO for its care and said in their statement that her organs had been donated.
