Freestyle Skier Sarah Burke Dies After Devastating Crash
- Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:12am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Sarah Burke was an X Games star with a grass-roots mentality – a daredevil superpipe skier who understood the risks inherent to her sport and the debt she owed to it for her success on the slopes.
The pioneering Canadian freestyler, who helped get superpipe accepted into the Olympics, died Thursday after a Jan. 10 crash during a training run in Park City, Utah.
Burke, who lived near Whistler, in British Columbia, was 29.
“Sarah was the one who, in a very positive way, stood in the face of adversity and asked, `Why not?’” said Peter Judge, the CEO of Canada’s freestyle team. “What she would have wanted was for her teammates and others in her sport to stand up and also say, `Why not?’ To benefit from the significant opportunities available to them, being able to compete in the Olympics and the X Games. Those were the things she wanted and cherished and fought for.”
A four-time Winter X Games champion, Burke crashed on the same halfpipe where snowboarder Kevin Pearce sustained a traumatic brain injury during a training accident on Dec. 31, 2009.
Tests revealed she sustained “irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood after cardiac arrest,” according to a statement released by her publicist, Nicole Wool, on behalf of the family.
She said Burke’s organs and tissues were donated, as the skier had requested before the accident.
“The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude for the international outpouring of support they have received from all the people Sarah touched,” the statement said.
AP
Judge said the accident did not come on a risky trick, but rather, a simple 540-degree jump that Burke usually landed routinely.
“It was more the freak nature of how she landed,” he said. “The angle of how she hit must have been exactly the right way, to create a very bizarre circumstance.”
Burke will be remembered as much for the hardware she collected as the legacy she left for women in superpipe skiing, a sister sport to the more popular snowboarding brand that has turned Shaun White, Hannah Teter and others into stars.
Aware of the big role the Olympics played in pushing the Whites of the world from the fringes into the mainstream, Burke lobbied to add superpipe skiing to the Winter Games program, noting that no new infrastructure would be needed.
Her arguments won over Olympic officials, and the discipline will debut in two years in Russia, where Burke likely would have been a favorite for the gold medal.
She was, Judge said, as committed to mentoring up-and-coming competitors and giving clinics as performing at the top levels.
“She was a kind person who was easygoing and approachable,” Judge said. “There was no pretense about her.”
News of Burke’s death spread quickly through the action-sports world, where the Winter X Games are set to start next week in Aspen, Colo., without one of their biggest and most-beloved stars.
“She‘s probably one of the nicest people I’ve known in my life, and that’s about the only thing I have to say about it,” said American superpipe skier Simon Dumont, a multiple X Games medalist.
Jeremy Forster, the program director for U.S. Freeskiing and U.S. Snowboarding, said freeskiers would remember Burke “first, as a friend, and then as a competitor who constantly inspired them to do greater things.”
“She was a leader in her sport, and it’s a huge loss for the freeskiing community,” Forster said.
“I am eternally indebted to Sarah for what she has done for this sport,” said American superpipe skier Jen Hudak. “Every turn I ever make will be for her.”
A moment of silence for Burke was observed before Canada‘s women’s soccer team played Haiti in an Olympic qualifying match in Vancouver on Thursday night.
Burke’s death is sure to re-ignite the debate over safety on the halfpipe.
Pearce’s injury – he has since recovered and is back to riding on snow – was a jarring reminder of the dangers posed to these athletes who often market themselves as devil-may-care thrillseekers but know they make their living in a far more serious, and dangerous, profession.
The sport’s leaders defend the record, saying mandatory helmets and air bags used on the sides of pipes during practice and better pipe-building technology has made this a safer sport, even though the walls of the pipes have risen significantly over the past decade. They now stand at 22 feet high.
Some of the movement to the halfpipe decades ago came because racing down the mountain, the way they do in snowboardcross and skicross, was considered even more dangerous – the conditions more unpredictable and the athletes less concerned with each other’s safety.
But there are few consistent, hard-and-fast guidelines when it comes to limiting the difficulty of the tricks in the halfpipe, and as the money and fame available in the sport grew, so did the tricks. In 2010, snowboarding pioneer Jake Burton told The Associated Press that much of this was self-policed by athletes who knew where to draw the line.
“If the sport got to the point where halfpipe riding became really dangerous, I think riders would do something about it,” Burton said. “It wouldn’t be cool anymore.”
His opinion is shared by many.
“From a safety perspective, it‘s just very difficult to really understand if there was anything that could’ve been done any differently to make it any safer,” Judge said.
In 2009, Burke broke a vertebra in her back after landing awkwardly while competing in slopestyle at the X Games. It was her lobbying that helped get the X Games to include women’s slopestyle – where riders shoot down the mountain and over “features” including bumps and rails.
It wasn’t her best event, but she felt compelled to compete because she pushed for it. She came to terms with her injury quickly.
“I’ve been doing this for long time, 11 years,” she said in a 2010 interview. “I‘ve been very lucky with the injuries I’ve had. It’s part of the game. Everybody gets hurt. Looking back on it, I’d probably do the exact same thing again.”
She returned a year after that injury and kept going at the highest level, trying the toughest tricks and winning the biggest prizes.
A native of Midland, Ontario, Burke won the ESPY in 2007 as female action sports athlete of the year.
In 2010, she married another freestyle skier, Rory Bushfield, and they were headliners in a documentary film project on the Ski Channel called “Winter.”
In her interview with AP two years ago, Burke reflected on the niche she’d carved out in the action-sports world.
“I think we’re all doing this, first off, because we love it and want to be the best,” she said. “But I also think it would’ve been a great opportunity, huge for myself and for skiing and for everyone, if we could’ve gotten into the (Vancouver) Olympics. It’s sad. I mean, I’m super lucky to be where I am, but that would’ve been pretty awesome.”
A little more than a year later, with Burke’s prodding, her sport was voted in for the next Winter Games.
—
AP National Writer Eddie Pells contributed to this story from Denver.
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Comments (61)
sbenard
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:20amA fulfilling, albeit all-too-short life! God bless! What a great example of a person who found joy pursuing her dream! We should all be so fortunate!
Sarah’s family is now faced with $550,000 in medical bills. If you are able to help, you can do so here:
Report Post »http://www.giveforward.com/sarahburke
Netsurfer2
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:35pmWhat? She had no insurance??? Insurance did not cover her risky sport and now you want everyone else to flip the bill??? Make’s you wonder why then was she risking her life, while not having anything to back up her medical problems that could arise???
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 3:04pmThats it! All women to be banned from dangerous sports like this….sarcasim end.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 6:25pmRest in Peace
May the Lord welcome her with an open heart
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:03amBut she sure did live a lot of life in those 29 years… So good for her for pursuing her dreams to the fullest !!! And God Bless….
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:59amA fulfilling, albeit all-too-short life! God bless! What a great example of a person who was happy pursuing her dream!
Report Post »Jack007
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:19amSad, I wonder why God didn’t bestow one of his musicals on Sarah?
Report Post »TerryDo
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:06amAlthough Sarah was only 29 when she died, she had a joie de vivre and the way she spoke of her love of her sport and her life style, she would probably do it all over again and in the same manner if she had the chance.
Report Post »R.I.P. Sarah
LisaC49
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:56amI remember watching her a few times on tv and thinking how remarkable it is when God gives us those talents and abilities. R.I.P. Sarah Burke.
Report Post »dutchy
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:00amSo sad, so young, so much to live for. I pray for her family to have the strength to go on.
Report Post »mmishio
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:53amMay God grant her the peace that only HE can bring.
May he also grant her family and friends comfort in their time of grief.
Report Post »freelancer91
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:39amThis is a bad way for me to start the day…..dear Blaze editors, please post something happy so that I don’t feel like crap all day…..
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:36amMy favorite picture of Sarah. She was beautiful, inside and out!
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/19454_242116186173_50553451173_3655006_2997384_n.jpg
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:29pmGlad you added in that simple photo to honor her. The “cheesecake” photo used in the original story of her injury was really not necessary…I greive with thee…..
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:28amI asked the Blaze to cover this story. I probably wasn’t the only one who did so. Thanks for doing it!
Sarah Burke was a beautiful and gregarious person who personified the American dream (despite that she was Canadian). Just look at some of the videos of her speaking with the press. She was always smiling, happy, and friendly. She was a naturally kind and warm person. She mentored many of her own competitors. Her husband met her because he was a competitive skier also. She was a beautiful, sweet person without guile.
If you would like to express your support for her husband and family, you can do so on her website here. Click on the blog link.
http://sarahburkeski.com/
I am a fan posthumously! I never knew or saw Sarah compete, but shed a tear for her and her family after hearing of her passing. God bless her for her courage, example, and angelic nature! RIP Sarah!
Report Post »Thank you, Sarah! You were a gift to the world!
AmazingGrace8
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:56amAmen!
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:23amGod Bless Sarah’s Family With The Peace and Strength of Jesus!
Report Post »Cabo King
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:21amGod bless you and rest in peace
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:13amLuck v Risk…
Report Post »Johann
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:07amRequiescat in pace.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:54amTerrible.
Report Post »southernhart
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:40amHeartfelt prayers to her family.
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:39amWhen you dare death every day, he usually wins in the end. How sad for her husband and family. Not sure where I stand on extreme sports-maybe it’s just me, but I can’t help thinking life is to precious to be used that way. Extreme sports seem to be seeking, or trying to cheat, death.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:01amWe live in a bloodthirsty society now. There are people who watch these things just to see the crashes. Sad day.
Report Post »countrysideflair
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:02amSeriously, this woman got to do what she loved…Her “job” is no more dangerous than any other job… like going through a meat mincer while cleaning. I’d much rather die doing something I loved then die to some stupid union job, where they got me spit-shining the inside of a machine that can’t be turned off. And, her job easily took care of her family… mine… is a struggle.
Honor her for her commitments to living life to its fullest and family.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:51amAgree so much with you. Sadly, these young kids think they are invincible. Prayers indeed for her entire family.
Report Post »Dustoff
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:39amRemember though, she died doing what she loved. Many can’t say that.
RIP
Report Post »momrules
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:28amWe are all one breath away from dying every day. She looked like a very happy young woman and she died doing something she loved. God bless her.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:25amWhat a shame….. she will be missed
Report Post »quicker
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:23amI`m sorry for her familys loss.However this will get more media play than the 6 marines that died yesterday.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:23am.
We think this is a tragedy, but she die living her life to the fullest……..
Remember, Life is just a Gleam Between Eternities, so live like there’s is no tommrow………
If you died today, who did you forget to Forgive or to Love?……….
Report Post »momrules
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:29amGood post Spank.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:06amReminds me of the song “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
> ∞ ?
Report Post »Gzeee1969
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:49amDang!! That was damn near nice, Monkey!
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:20amA little late with this one guys…
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:19amGod you never know when your time is up…..At least her last moments were doing what she loved and not a slow death of some disease that eats you day by day. Never knew her or even heard of her but I hope she finds the slopes in Heaven as nice as those she skied here.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:19amHow very sad for her family and a loss for the skiing world. Our prayers are with them all, and thank them for the brave decision to donate her organs. What a blessing.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:27amIt IS sad Grandma.
Report Post »Guerrino_P
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:03pmHey Grandma, aren’t you the misinformed Blazer who said Sarah was fortunate that the accident happened in the USA, where she would make a full recovery?
Next time a tragedy happens, don’t use it as an opportunity to knock Canadian healthcare. Natasha Richardson and Sarah Burke, may you both rest in peace. And Grandma, shame on you.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 3:37pmYep, and I stand by it, as they transported Natasha Richardson from one hospital to another. I didn’t indict the entire Canadian healthcare system, just that traumatic situation. Sarah was lucky she was here and was treated quickly – I‘m very sorry for the loss of her life but because she died didn’t mean that the care she got wasn’t top notch (and I never said she would make a full recovery, I only hoped). The care Natasha Richardson got may have been top notch too but it was too little too late. My son lived in BC for over 10 years so I know the system is satisfactory and is changing in positive ways. It is too bad you picked this article to get pi$$y about my comments.
Report Post »Guerrino_P
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:17pmGrandma,
Report Post »I believe you are a nice person, and I‘m sorry that I didn’t fully understand you. I’m also glad that your son had the opportunity to live in a better country than yours for the last 10 years.