SAM Magazine—Boulder, Colo., May 20, 2024—Louis Miller, the equipment manager at Colorado’s Eldora Mountain Resort, was killed while performing off-season trail maintenance at the ski resort when he was struck by a falling tree.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office reported that it responded to the scene of the accident on the morning of May 16. 

“The 911 call reported that there was CPR in progress on a male patient,” according to an incident report. “A 52-year-old male staff member at the ski resort was assisting with trail maintenance when a tree fell on top of him, causing life threatening injuries. Medical care was immediately performed by ski patrol, and a Flight for Life Colorado helicopter was en route, but unfortunately, he died on-scene while aid was being rendered.”

A spokesperson for the ski resort told reporters that Eldora is cooperating with the Sheriff’s office in the investigation into the incident.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this morning resulting in the death of a cherished member of our team. We offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to Louis’ family,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We are immensely thankful to our local emergency responders for their quick response and the medical assistance provided.”

Miller was recently named as one of eight nominees for the Colorado Ski Country USA’s 2024 Groomer of the Year Awards. “Louis’s selflessness, unrelenting positivity, and leadership are demonstrated daily at Eldora,” according to his nomination statement. “He comes in early and stays late, and is committed to the excellence of Eldora’s snow surface, aesthetics, and guest experience. Louis is the rock star of the Eldora grooming crew—and he does it all with a smile on his face.”

In a statement submitted for the award, Miller cited his experiences from more than 25 years of ski area work.

“The list of things I love about my job is long,” he wrote. “I love discovering hidden trails and exploring untouched, snow-covered landscapes. Operating heavy machinery requires skill and precision, and the sense of mastery and control you feel while maneuvering the vehicle through snow and rugged terrain can be deeply satisfying. It’s both physically and mentally challenging, requiring focus, concentration, and physical stamina, and overcoming these challenges and pushing your limits is incredibly rewarding. 

“I’m surrounded by people who share my passion, and as a leader, I think patience is a critical quality, particularly in environments where precision and safety are paramount,” Miller added. “My ability to remain calm and composed under pressure helps create a positive work environment and sets an example for my team.”