19-year-old dies in ski accident in southeastern Minnesota

WABASHA, Minn. (KMSP) - A 19-year-old woman is dead after an accident at a ski resort in southeastern Minnesota. 

Wabasha police say Bethany Becker of Corcoran was skiing on Saturday afternoon at the Coffee Mill Ski Area when she was involved in a deadly collision.

Police say Becker was finishing a run on an advanced slope called the "Fall Line" when she failed to make a turn at the bottom of the hill and ran into a tree.

"From what we gathered, she lost control, went through the bottom of the hill, continued on and ended up hitting a tree," Wabasha Police Chief Joe Stark said.

Stark says paramedics rushed her to a hospital in Plainview and then to St. Mary's in Rochester, but she died on the way.

Stark also says Becker wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

"It’s a tragic situation. Our condolences go out to the family. It's not something we see often at the ski hill. Skiing is dangerous. We are out there from time to time for injuries, but obviously nothing this traumatic," Stark said.

Becker graduated from St. Michael-Albertville High School six months ago, where she was an athlete who ran cross country.

Her death came as a shock to students and staff.

"When I went into the high school this afternoon, it was very somber," said Ann-Marie Foucoult, St. Michael-Albertville School District Superintendent.

"It's a tough day and as we learn about the arrangements, it’s probably going to get worse. As a mother, it breaks my heart. I can't imagine the pain the family is going through right now," Foucoult said.

Visitation for Becker is scheduled for Wednesday at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, while her funeral is set for Thursday.