Dark Clouds Over Sporting World as Brutal Collision Between Skiing and Snowboarding Enthusiast Gives Way to Legal Tussle

Leaving your own mark on the slopes is the best feeling any skier or snowboarder can have. However, while enjoying this adrenaline rush, the slippery slopes also possess a high sense of danger. According to statistics per year snowboarding and alpine skiing cause up to 600,000 sports-related injuries, with a 30% higher risk for the snowboarders.

Recently, a snowboarder with thirty years of experience on the slopes and an avid skier were taking rounds on Grouse, when they collided with each other. Although both parties have not suffered serious injuries, the accident caused a huge legal battle between them.

A collision between snowboarders and a skiing enthusiast on the slopes

On the Expo Run at Grouse Mountain, skier Mari Nagakwa and snowboarder Gabriel Parent crashed into each other. According to DH news, amid this accident, Mari Nagakwas, who was injured, sued the skateboarder Gabriel Parent and called a tribunal civil resolution hearing. The skier, who also claims that the snowboarder ruined his clothes, demanded $5,000 in damages. Nagakwa, claims that Gabriel Parent hit her from behind while riding the slopes of the mountain.

According to the skier, she was skiing down at a normal speed when suddenly the snowboarder crashed into him. Nagakawa stated she could not see Parent boarding from behind and fell on her face into the snow. On the other hand, Parent, who has been snowboarding since he was seven years old, claims the skier was descending the mountain and caused the crash.

After listening to both sides and giving careful consideration, the tribunal decided to dismiss the claims of Mari Nagakawa. According to the council, the skier did not provide enough evidence to prove Gabriel Parent’s speed on the slopes was out of his control. And although the skier’s side of the story was also agreed upon by a few ski patrollers who witnessed the incident, the skier did not receive any compensation money. Nagakawa also suffered a few injuries during the incident.

Nagakawa suffered injuries in the accident

In the accident, Skier Nagakawa claimed she fell face down on the snow and suffered a sprain in her shoulder. The skier had to use a sling to manage her pain and receive proper medical treatment for her shoulder. Nagakawa was later transported to a Burnaby hospital.

To defend herself in the battle, Nagakawa also revealed her experience on the slopes, that she has been skiing for the past 30 years. The skier who claims to be an expert in the sport also possesses an instructor’s certificate. But despite these efforts, unfortunately, Nagakawa did not receive any compensation.

These incidents truly highlight the perils that come along the adventures on slopes. Thankfully, both parties are safe and did not receive any life-threatening injuries in the accident. Hopefully, Grouse Mountain will take some extra precautions to avoid any such accidents in the future.

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