John Nicoletta, an Aspen based big-mountain skier died yesterday while competing in a Mountain Sports International (MSI) freeriding event in Alyeska. Alaska.

According to reports, Nicoletta suffered fatal injuries during the MSI event after falling in a rocky area. Nicoletta, a well respected athlete and a regular at big-mountain freeriding events across North America, was running in the 47th position during round one of the competition. MSI states that, “Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol reached Nicoletta within seconds of the accident and evaluated his injuries. After stabilization, he was transported via toboggan and helicopter to the Alyeska Aid Room where he was unable to be revived despite efforts by local physicians, paramedics, Girdwood EMS and the Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol. Time of death was reported at 4:45pm.”

MSI made the decision to continue with the competition despite the fatality and after discussion with athletes competing in the Alyeska event. There’s little doubt that Nicoletta’s death will shock the Aspen community, which is already reeling after the death of snowboarder Wallace Westfeldt, another big-mountain competitor, who died earlier this month due to a fall during a film shoot in the Aspen backcountry.