A Utah surgeon died in a skiing accident at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday, authorities confirmed Friday.
Unified Police identified the man as Andrew Gagnon, a 38-year-old transplant surgeon at Intermountain Healthcare. A department spokesperson said Gagnon died after an accident in the “experts only” skiing area at the resort. Authorities responded Thursday at about 11:55 a.m.
According to FOX13, Gagnon fell off a 100-foot cliff and then tumbled further down into rocky and tree-covered terrain. Although he was wearing a helmet, he did not survive.
In a statement Friday, Intermountain Healthcare said Gagnon was a “wonderful transplant surgeon” who loved the outdoors and lived for his family, patients and fellow caregivers.
A GoFundMe organized in Gagnon’s memory has raised over $20,000 as of Friday evening.
“Because of Dr. Gagnon’s surgical talents, he was instrumental in growing the Intermountain Healthcare Transplant Services program and in doing so saved hundreds of lives,” the statement read.
“Dr. Gagnon always said he loved living in Utah, loved what he was doing, and his patients often noted his kindness and compassion,” the statement continued.
The statement was signed by Dr. Diane Alonso, with the Intermountain transplant program, and Dr. Ivan Zendejas, a Canyon Surgical Associates transplant surgeon.
