A four-year-old girl has tragically died following a skiing incident in Quebec, where an adult fell on top of her during a cross-country outing, according to police authorities. The young child was being pulled in a sled by an adult at the Nakkertok ski club in Val-des-Monts when the accident occurred on February 22.
Details of the Fatal Incident
MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais police reported that the incident happened as the pair were descending a hill at the popular private cross-country ski facility. Upon arrival, emergency responders found paramedics and firefighters performing CPR on the girl.
She was initially transported to a hospital approximately nine miles away in Wakefield before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. Despite these efforts, the child succumbed to her injuries.
Investigation and Official Statements
Ontario’s coroner has launched an investigation since the death occurred in an Ottawa hospital. Police spokesperson Martin Fournel previously indicated to Radio-Canada that foul play was not suspected, describing the event as appearing to be a tragic accident.
Authorities have not publicly identified the girl or the adult involved, and it remains unclear whether the adult was the child’s parent or guardian. The Nakkertok ski club resumed operations on February 23 following the incident.
Recent Similar Tragedy in the Area
This heartbreaking event comes just weeks after another fatal skiing accident in the region. On February 11, a 13-year-old girl lost her life when her clothing became entangled in a chairlift at the Centre Vorlage resort near Wakefield.
The teenager was on a school trip and was preparing to dismount the lift when her attire got caught in the machinery. Adults attempted to free her but had to return the chair to the base of the hill to reach her.
By that time, she was not breathing. First responders administered CPR, and she was rushed to Wakefield hospital before being transferred to the same Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. She died several days later from her injuries.
Family Response and Ongoing Investigations
In a statement, the 13-year-old’s family expressed devastation and gratitude for community support. “We would like to thank our community for their support and the outpouring of love we have received over the last few days,” they said. “We are also grateful for everyone who took heroic action to help save our precious child.”
Her identity has not been released by authorities. Both incidents are under investigation by police and the Ontario coroner. Fournel emphasized, “The goal is to know exactly what happened that day. All our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this moment.”
These consecutive tragedies have cast a shadow over the Quebec skiing community, raising concerns about safety protocols during winter sports activities involving children.
