VAIL, Colo., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- The snowmobile that struck and killed a Colorado skier may have been airborne when it fatally plowed into the 13-year-old victim.
Ashley Stamp died from blunt-force trauma to the chest area, said the Eagle County coroner, KMGH-TV, Denver, reported Wednesday.
Although state officials initially indicated the death was an accident, they later recanted after witnesses came forward with new information.
Initially, officials said Ashley was wearing headphones at the time of the Sunday crash at the Vail ski resort and the snowmobile was only traveling 10 mph when it hit her. But one of Ashley's teammates on the same ski team said the snowmobile went into the air on a blind knoll where it collided with Ashley, who was skiing at full speed in preparation for a race.
The father of that teammate said it seems unlikely for a snowmobile traveling at 10 mph to land on its side after colliding with a skier.
Meanwhile, the head of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club disputed the headphone report.
A local prosecutor said he expected a full accident report next month.
