GIRDWOOD, Alaska — Well-known Aspen freeskier John Nicoletta, 27, died Friday afternoon from injuries sustained during a fall while competing on the first day of the Freeskiing World Championships at Alyeska Resort in Alaska.

Nicoletta was the 47th competitor of the day down the Headwall below Alyeska Peak.

According to a press release from the event's organizer, Mountain Sports International, Alyeska ski patrollers 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 local physicians, paramedics, Girdwood EMS and the ski patrol were unable to revive him. Time of death was reported at 4:45 p.m in Alaska — two hours behind Aspen.

Contrary to initial press reports, Nicoletta lost control after a 20-foot cliff drop and was propelled into an exposed rocky area.

A veteran freeskiing competitor, Nicoletta was an accomplished, well-known, and respected athlete. He has appeared in ski movies, been a featured athlete in television interviews and recently finished second at the Telluride Freeskiing Open in February 2008.

Nicoletta also worked with young athletes at the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, where he helped form a big-mountain skiing program.

After discussion with the competitors Friday evening, the decision was made by the Freeskiing World Championships organizers to continue with the event today. Athletes will make the hike to the top of the peak together to honor Nicoletta and his love of big-mountain skiing.

Nicoletta's death comes a week after the passing of local snowboarder Wallace Westfeldt, who was killed April 4 during a commercial shoot in a backcountry area behind Aspen Highlands.