A tragic accident at Centre Vorlage in Wakefield, Quebec, has claimed the life of a 13-year-old Ottawa girl, whose name has not been released.
The young girl was critically injured on February 11 while on a school ski trip when her clothing became caught in a chairlift as she attempted to disembark at the top of the hill.
The chairlift continued moving while she was trapped, leaving her suspended until adults were able to bring her safely to the bottom.
First responders, including two doctors who happened to be at the ski hill, immediately performed CPR at the scene.
She was first taken to a local hospital in Wakefield before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa.
Despite the swift medical intervention, the girl tragically passed away. Her family released a statement expressing their heartbreak and confirmed that, with their permission, her organs were donated to help others.
Centre Vorlage co-owner Alexandre Gaboury described the loss as devastating for the entire resort community.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the girl’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the profound impact of the incident.
The ski hill had been temporarily closed following the accident, but reopened in a limited capacity after safety inspections.
Quebec authorities, including the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), conducted a review of the chairlift and identified several non-conformities, which were promptly corrected. Meanwhile, both local police and Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The news has shaken the community and prompted an outpouring of grief online.
Many expressed anger, sorrow, and disbelief at what happened. Tammy Lynn wrote that the situation was “bullshit” and accused the operators of failing to act appropriately, noting that lift staff are trained for emergencies and that the chairlift had emergency stop buttons.
Debra Lynn Currier described the accident as “beyond horrific,” capturing the shock felt by many who learned of the tragedy.
Others reflected on their personal connections to the ski hill or the shared experience of childhood skiing.
Karen Patterson recalled, “We used to ski there as a family when I was a young girl before our family moved from Ottawa. So sad. Our condolences to the family and her classmates.”
Bonnie Hughes shared her sorrow more broadly, saying her heart went out to everyone affected, especially the girl’s family and friends.
Dawn Barclay added, “My sincerest condolences to all the family. Rest in peace, sweet girl,” while Angie McNish expressed frustration at the lack of visible emergency oversight, questioning why the lift staff was not able to stop the chairlift in time.
The tragedy also sparked reflection from other parents concerned about their children. Tia Alexandra wrote that the accident was “terrible and very scary,” noting that her own 10-year-old daughter might one day go on a school ski trip and questioning why additional safety measures, such as rescue vehicles with ladders, are not in place.
Lyssa Rhodes reminded the public that the family had donated the girl’s organs with their permission, calling it a final act of generosity amid heartbreak. Pam Gourley-Doran expressed her condolences to all who witnessed the event, describing it as “so sad.” Shirley Schnobb, like many others, expressed outrage, emphasizing that the chairlift should have been shut down immediately and speculating that legal action might be warranted.
The sudden loss has left the local community in shock. Parents, students, and fellow skiers are grappling with the fact that what should have been a joyful school outing ended in such a heartbreaking tragedy.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures in public recreational spaces.
The Ottawa girl’s family, friends, classmates, and the wider community are now mourning a life cut tragically short, with an outpouring of condolences reflecting the deep sense of loss felt across the region.
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