A 12-year-old boy tragically lost his life after a skiing accident on Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, New Hampshire, on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred on an intermediate-level trail at the popular family-friendly resort.
The victim has been identified by his father as Jack Murray, a seventh grader from Weymouth, Massachusetts. According to reports, Murray was wearing a helmet when he struck a tree while skiing around 11 a.m. He was discovered unconscious in the snow by responders from the resort’s Ski Patrol.
Rescuers began CPR immediately and transported the boy to the base of the mountain. From there, he was taken to Maine Health/Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Despite these efforts, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Cranmore Mountain Resort and local authorities have expressed condolences to the boy’s family. A spokesperson for the resort said in a statement to CBS Boston: “On behalf of Cranmore Mountain Resort, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The entire Cranmore family grieves this tragic loss.”
Conway Police Chief Christopher Mattei also extended sympathies on behalf of the first responders involved, saying: “On behalf of the Conway Police Department and all the first responders who assisted, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of the 12-year-old boy.”
BREAKING: Police confirm that a 12-year-old boy has died after he hit a tree while skiing at New Hampshire’s Cranmore Mountain on Tuesday. https://t.co/CTG4ljedo2
— NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) January 2, 2025
Tuesday was a challenging day for emergency responders at Cranmore Mountain. According to The Conway Daily Sun, another juvenile was injured in a separate incident around noon. Details about the second child, including their age and gender, have not been disclosed. That child was airlifted to the hospital around 1:30 p.m. for treatment.
Assistant North Conway Fire Chief Josh MacMillan described the high volume of emergency calls that day, noting that by 2 p.m., firefighters had already responded to seven medical incidents. “It was a rough day,” MacMillan said.
Cranmore Mountain, located approximately three hours north of Boston, is known as a popular family destination that caters to beginner skiers with easy trails and on-site lessons. The resort was recognized last year as “one of the most beginner-friendly resorts in the east,” according to Cranmore Real Estate.
The accident has left the community in mourning, with both the resort and local authorities emphasizing their commitment to safety while expressing their sorrow over the tragic loss. Further details about the boy’s identity and hometown have not been released as authorities respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.