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Keystone boarder dies after apparent cardiac arrest

Daily News staff report

KEYSTONE – A snowboarder died Saturday afternoon at Keystone Resort, despite attempts by ski patrol to revive him after a suspected heart attack.

Eric Piotter, 36, of Fort Collins, reportedly called for ski patrol’s assistance when he reached the base area near the Outback Express lift and complained of difficulty breathing and chest pain. Piotter spoke briefly with ski patrollers before his condition deteriorated.

Ski patrol members began CPR and called for Flight for Life. However, Piotter was taken by land to Keystone Gulch, where the Summit County Coroner pronounced him dead at 12:15 p.m.



Coroner Joanne Richardson said the death did not appear to be the result of a traumatic injury and an autopsy would be performed in the next day or two.

“On behalf of the entire Keystone Resort family, we extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends,” said Vail Resorts spokeswoman Kelly Ladyga.



Piotter is the fifth visitor to die from a medical condition at Colorado resorts this year – the fourth at Keystone. Of the 18 deaths at ski areas this season, 11 were the result of collisions.


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