Scott Macartney’s crash in Kitzbuhel looked bad but he survived with no injuries. Now much worse has happened. One of the top extreme skiers, Billy Poole was died while filming a jump near the the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon Tuesday. Billy Poole was known for his long jumps. He started skiing up in the cold mountains of Montana but had lately spent time in Alta in Utah. Billy Poole became an extreme skiing star by mixing up powerful big-mountain style with very smooth moves and turns. Billy Poole was leading the modern wave of progressive freeskiing. The 28-year-old Poole was sponsored by Salt Lake City-based Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., maker of ski and climbing gear.

Billy Poole was filming with a crew when the accident happened. Billy jumped off a cliff and hit rocks while landing. Billy Poole was taken to hospital in extremely critical condition about 12:30 p.m. A hospital spokesman confirmed he died at 1:30 p.m.

Billy Poole’s accident happened in the backcountry between Brighton and Solitude Ski resorts from where Poole was taken to hospital by helicopter. Billy Poole was the first person to jump over the telephone wires at Cardiff Pass.

As you see in the video below, Billy Poole took skiing to the far extreme. (The video is not related to the tragedy). Billy Poole knew the risks, but now the sad thing happened. Extreme skiing can be dangerous and risky, even though top skiers practice years and are well prepared. Death is part of this sport. Many top extreme skiers, such as Doug Coombs and Trevor Petersen, have died in the mountains. Now also Billy Poole. As fellow skiers we wish Billy’s family all the best.

Image source: BigLines.Com