A snowshoer makes their way along a path at Craigleith Ski Club on Feb. 20, 2011. A teen died on Feb. 20, 2012, at the ski club.Tim Fraser For The Globe and Mail
A 15-year-old Ontario boy died Wednesday, days after he was injured skiing near Collingwood.
There were no witnesses to the accident at Craigleith Ski Club but the private club's ski patrol reached the boy within minutes, said general manager Jeff Courtemanche. The boy, who had head injuries, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital before being flown to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.
The boy, Nick Seguin, was a Grade 10 student at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, said principal Drew Cook. He had just returned back to Ontario on Sunday from a school skiing trip in Vermont with about 30 other students, Mr. Cook said.
"He was a solid student and a gifted athlete," he said. "Nick was certainly a kid who seemed to have it all together."
Mr. Seguin had gone skiing again on Monday with his mother and at least one of his two younger brothers, Mr. Cook said. It was one of his brothers who discovered Mr. Seguin injured, the principal said.
Erin Fleischer, with Cobble Hills Racing, said she coached Mr. Seguin for more than six years. She said he was one of the best skiers with the club and excelled because of natural ability, dependability and a good attitude.
"He was ... always willing to help out with practices. Set up courses, tear down courses. You didn't have to ask him to help," she said.
He had just started instructing other skiers after getting his certification.
"He's an all-around great kid and I'm really sad by what's happened. It's hit me hard," Ms. Fleischer said.
Mr. Cook said students have been writing their condolences on posters around the school and a funeral is being planned for Saturday. There have been counsellors at the school for students and staff.
On Monday, the same day the boy was injured, a 45-year-old firefighter died from injuries he sustained skiing days before at nearby Blue Mountain.