Skier dies after crashing into tree on Cypress Mountain

A 50-year-old man died after striking a tree while skiing at Cypress Mountain Resort on Saturday morning, staff said.

A release from the resort, which is about a 30-minutedrive northwest of Vancouver,said witnesses saw the man losea ski while skiing downhill, which caused him to lose control and collide with a tree on the side of a run on the upper mountain.

Patrollers rushed to the area and began CPR on the man as they brought him to the base area of the resort where paramedics took over.

B.C. Emergency Health Services said two ground ambulances and one air ambulance went to the mountain, but the man was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m. PT.

'Tragic loss'

Const.Kevin Goodmurphywith the West Vancouver Police Departmenttold CBC News that officers were called to the scene for a potential cardiac arrest.

"There is no further investigation that's ongoingon our end," he said. "It does appear to be a tragic accident at this point."

In a written statement, Cypress Mountain Resort President Russell Chamberlain thanked first respondersfor trying to save the man.

"Cypress Mountain Resort Ski Patrol, and the entire resort team extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends for their tragic loss,"said the statement.