Skier dies at Canyons after striking object

PARK CITY — A 36-year-old skier who died at The Canyons this week has been identified as Park City lawyer, authorities said.

The body of Jason Coles was found Monday at 4:20 p.m. after a two-hour search, resort spokesman Todd Burnette said.

The Summit County Sheriff's office released Coles' identity Wednesday, saying he was an attorney working in Park City. Authorities believe Coles, who was wearing a helmet, struck a tree or other object and died from a broken neck near the Lower Crowning Glory run, Burnette said. The trail is classified as intermediate.

Coles had been skiing with a group of friends, Burnette said. They became separated in the early afternoon but later talked via cell phone.

By 2:30 p.m., the friends became concerned and called for help. Summit County Search and Rescue teams as well as private ski patrol and security personnel helped in the search.

The death is under investigation. Coles' body has been sent to the state medical examiner for autopsy. Preliminary information from the medical examiner's office indicated the cause of death as a lacerated aorta and liver, according to Burnette. The injuries are consistent with a collision.