Police, coroner investigating death of Ottawa girl at ski hill in western Quebec

The family of the 13-year-old girl who was involved in a chairlift accident at a Quebec resort releases statement saying she has died in hospital.

Police in western Quebec will work with an Ontario coroner to investigate the death of a 13-year-old Ottawa girl, who passed away after an incident on a chairlift at a ski hill in western Quebec last week, according to police.

The girl was on a school trip to Centre Vorlage near Wakefield, Que. last Wednesday, when her clothing got caught on a ski lift as she attempted to dismount, the MRC des Collines de l’Outaouais police said.

The girl was transported to a nearby hospital, before being transferred to CHEO in Ottawa.

In a statement released Sunday evening by the children’s hospital, the girl’s family said they were “devastated to share” that the girl passed away.

“We would like to thank our community for their support and the outpouring of love we have received over the last few days,” the family said.

“We would like to extend our love to all of those affected by this terrible tragedy. We are also grateful for everyone who took heroic action to help save our precious child. Her sweet, bubbly spirit and love for those around her will live on through the lives she has touched and the lives she has saved through Trillium Gift of Life organ donation.”

The family also said they were “deeply grateful for the incredible care” provided by the staff at CHEO.

On Monday, the MRC des Collines de l’Outaouais police said since the girl died at CHEO, an Ontario coroner has been assigned to “fully investigate the incident.”

“The police investigation is ongoing and aims to clearly determine the causes and circumstances of the incident that occurred on February 11,” police said.

“In addition to the police and coroner’s investigations, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) also conducted on-site inspections of the ski lift involved in the incident. It was this government entity that ordered the centre’s closure to allow for several checks. Operations will resume with the approval of the RBQ.”

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec is the agency responsible for inspecting ski lifts in Quebec.

The ski hills at Centre Vorlage are set to reopen on Tuesday after being closed since the incident. On Monday, a pink teddy bear and flowers were spotted near the sign at the main entrance to the hill.

The girl’s clothing got caught on a ski lift as she attempted to dismount the chairlift at the summit of the hill at Centre Vorlage, according to police.

“What we know so far is that she was about to get off the chairlift at the top of the hill, the piece of clothing got caught into the chair, and at one point she was hanging from the chairlift,” Sgt Martin Fournel said on Feb. 12.

Witnesses were unable to assist the girl because the chairlift was too high and “it was decided, unfortunately, to send her back down the hill,” Fournel said.

First responders and two doctors at the hill performed CPR on the girl before she was transported to the hospital.

In a statement on Facebook, Centre Vorlage said it was with “profound sadness” that it received word the girl died following the “tragic accident.”

“Our entire organization is deeply saddened by this loss. We extend our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, and the members of her school community as they mourn this devastating loss,” Centre Vorlage said.

“We continue to cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and will provide all necessary support to our employees and our community.”

Centre Vorlage is located 30 kilometres north of downtown Ottawa.

Osgoode Coun. Isabelle Skalski said she was “heartbroken to learn of the passing of the 13-year-old girl from our community.”

“On behalf of our entire community, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, classmates, teammates, and all who loved her. There are simply no words that can ease the pain of such an unimaginable loss,” Skalski said.

“So many across our community are feeling this deeply. Over the weekend, friends and local teams wore her favourite colour - purple - as a beautiful symbol of love and support. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside those closest to her and hold them in our thoughts.”

Carleton MPP George Darouze said he was “heartbroken for her family, friends and everyone who loved her.”

“I want to thank her parents for sharing such a moving message during such an unimaginable time,” Darouze said in a post on Facebook.

“Their gratitude for the community’s support, for the heroic actions of those who tried to help, and for the exceptional care provided by the team at CHEO speaks volumes. Their daughter’s kindness and generosity will live on through the many lives touched and saved through the Trillium Gift of Life Network.”

The girl’s family said anyone wishing to honour her memory is invited to make a donation to the PICU and Child Life team at CHEO through the CHEO Foundation.

Ottawa school board suspends ski trips

Last Thursday, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board said, “Our thoughts are with the student, their family, and the entire school community during this deeply difficult time.”

“Student well-being is always paramount, and we have taken immediate steps to support those affected, including ensuring mental health professionals are available to assist students and staff following the trip and in the days ahead.”

On Friday, the board announced it would be cancelling all ski trips involving chairlifts while staff works to “fully understand the details of the accident that occurred at Vorlage on Wednesday.”

“The safety of our students is our top priority.”

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