Student honored for aiding skier after serious accident in Vail halfpipe
EAGLE COUNTY — The Eagle County Public Safety Council has awarded Ben Walter the Citizen’s Meritorious Commendation Award upon the recommendation of Vail Ski Patrol. The council is made up of all the public safety agencies in Eagle County, including law enforcement, fire departments, healthcare personnel and multiple supporting agencies. Walter lives in Edwards and is a junior at Battle Mountain High School.
Events of Jan. 11
The award was presented during the council’s monthly meeting April 2 in recognition of Walter’s actions taken Jan. 11 after witnessing a serious skiing accident in the Golden Peak terrain park superpipe on Vail Mountain. A second accident occurred simultaneously on an adjacent slope and complicated the rescue of those injured in the first crash. With ski patrollers deployed elsewhere, Walter decided to stay with the patient until ski patrol arrived. He then stayed on scene and assisted ski patrol with traffic control and the transport. During this time he remained calm, showed great compassion and supported the family members of the injured party. In presenting Walter with the award, council chairman Chris Dick noted Walter was considerate, attentive and an exceptional help to ski patrol that day and his actions showed genuine concern for the safety of the community.
About the Award
The commendation award is presented to individuals that go above and beyond to aid a fellow citizen in time of crisis or injury.
