Skier Sarah Burke Remembered

On 10 January 2012, reports of a serious injury sustained by Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke shook the foundations of the action sports community.

The days that followed the tragic accident saw many prayers and overwhelming support for the Burke family, who awaited the outcome of extensive neurosurgery to repair a vertebral artery tear sustained in the accident.

Nine days later, the fears of freestyle skiers and action sports fans everywhere were confirmed: Sarah Burke had passed away at the age of 29.

Burke’s devastating crash, which occurred while training on the Park City Mountain Resort superpipe in Park City, Utah, reportedly appeared harmless at first. Onlookers reported that the world famous skier had seemingly landed a trick but fell heavily, hitting her head on the snow. It quickly became evident, however, that the fall was far from harmless.

“It’s sad that she died simply training,” FAHS faculty member Scott Wagaman said. “She did nothing irresponsible, and it’s always terrible to see someone die at such a young age.”

Only moments after the accident, Burke went into cardiac arrest due to severe bleeding in the brain. After being resuscitated, she was rushed to the University of Utah Hospital where doctors put her into an induced coma.

Even after neurosurgery, the future of the four-time Winter X Games gold medalist appeared very bleak. According to Burke’s publicist, it was soon concluded that she had sustained “irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood after cardiac arrest” and later “passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved.”

“It’s an unfortunate accident, but she knew the risks involved with such a dangerous sport,” said FAHS senior and avid snowboarder Steve Durofchalk. “Nonetheless, it’s sad to see a fellow winter sport athlete pass away so suddenly.”

Burke, a true pioneer in the sport of freestyle skiing, leaves behind husband and fellow freeskier Rory Bushfield.

Though Burke is now gone, the impact she had on action sports will never be forgotten.

She is considered to be the pioneer of women’s superpipe skiing and was the first woman to successfully execute a 1080 degree spin in competition.

Aside from her achievements throughout her career, the 2005 halfpipe world champion made herself a true advocate of her sport. Sarah Burke successfully lobbied the International Olympic Committee to add the women’s superpipe skiing to the Olympics in anticipation of the 2014 games and has been at the forefront of her sport since its inception.

Sarah Burke will be an individual remembered not only for her achievements but also for her contagious smile and glowing, friendly personality. Though she was taken from the world at an age much too young, her legacy will live for years to come in the world of actions sports.

Even once the wounds of her sudden and tragic death heal, Sarah Burke will be remembered for what she truly was: a genuine individual and innovator of her ever-developing sport.