Parents Share Heartfelt Caution with Others Following Tragic Incident Involving 5-Year-Old on Ski Slope

One family’s winter escape turned into a nightmare on the slopes, and the details are brutal. Elise, just five, was learning her footing on skis when a single, unstoppable moment changed everything.

Her mom, Kelli, paused on a blue run to adjust Elise’s gear, while Elise’s younger sister Camilla, three years old, was headed toward the bunny hill with her dad, Chauncy, in an area meant for beginners. Then Craig Shirley, a 23-year-old snowboarder moving at what witnesses described as 50 to 60 miles per hour, collided with them, sending Elise flying and leaving her with a fatal neck injury, while Kelli suffered a traumatic brain injury that took months to even process.

Now the Johnsons are sharing their grief with a hard warning, hoping other families get the safety education they wish they had.

Tragedy Strikes During Family Winter Sports Adventure

As they navigated the slopes, laughter echoed through the crisp mountain air, but the joy was short-lived.

In a tragic moment, Elise, who was just beginning to find her footing on the skis, collided with a tree, leading to injuries that would prove fatal. The Johnsons, now faced with an unimaginable reality, hope to channel their grief into advocacy, emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols and better education for families engaging in winter activities.

That’s when the Johnsons’ “simple” ski day stopped being simple, because Kelli’s pause to adjust Elise’s skis happened right before Craig Shirley came in at speed.

Family Ski Trip Takes a Heartbreaking Turn

Elise, then just five years old, and her younger sister Camilla, who was three, were excited to hit the slopes. Kelli took Elise to a short blue run, while Chauncy guided Camilla to the bunny hill, a safe area designed for beginners.

Tragically, this would be the last time Chauncy would see his eldest daughter alive. As Kelli and Elise navigated the blue run, Kelli stopped to adjust Elise's ski equipment.

Tragic Snowboarding Accident Alters Lives in an Instant

In a split second, their lives were irrevocably altered. A snowboarder, identified as 23-year-old Craig Shirley, collided with them at an alarming speed of 50 to 60 miles per hour.

The impact was catastrophic; it sent Elise flying through the air, landing approximately 50 feet away, where she suffered a fatal neck injury. The snowboarder, too, was thrown from the crash, sustaining fatal blunt force trauma.

Facing Uncertainty After Kelli's Traumatic Brain Injury

Kelli sustained a traumatic brain injury, leaving her in a state of uncertainty as doctors were unsure if she would ever regain consciousness. Chauncy, reflecting on the incident, expressed his relief at not witnessing the moment of impact.

“She still doesn’t remember the moment of impact, which is actually a blessing,” he shared, acknowledging the profound trauma that followed. After three months in the hospital, she returned home, but the emotional toll was immense.

Meanwhile, Chauncy was over on the bunny hill with Camilla, thinking the beginner zone would keep things calm, until the collision ripped through the whole outing.

From Grief to Advocacy: Chauncy's Journey for Safety

Chauncy, grappling with his grief, turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, as time passed, he felt a growing responsibility to advocate for safety on the slopes, motivated by the desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.

In 2016, Chauncy took a significant step by reaching out to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) to discuss the establishment of a new safety program. His efforts culminated in 2023 when he founded the nonprofit organization known as the Snow Angel Foundation.

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Promoting Ski Safety in Memory of Elise

This organization aims to raise awareness about skiing safety, particularly among youth groups, race clubs, skiers, and ski patrollers. The foundation’s mission is to honor Elise’s memory while promoting safer skiing practices.

You were doing 50,” encapsulates the urgency of their message. Chauncy emphasizes the importance of open conversations about safety on the slopes, stating, “We need to be more open about our conversations about safety on the mountain, and we need to provide people with better tools to understand how to mitigate risk better.” This proactive approach is crucial in an environment where skiing and snowboarding can be both exhilarating and dangerous.

After Elise was gone and Kelli’s traumatic brain injury left her in uncertainty, the story shifted from shock to survival mode, and then to a push for stricter safety protocols.

Helmet Safety Highlighted After Elise's Tragic Accident

Elise's tragic death also sparked discussions about helmet safety. Reports indicated that Elise was the only one among the three involved in the accident who was wearing a helmet.

Troy Hawks, a spokesman for the NSAA, commented on the incident, emphasizing that while helmets are important, they are not a foolproof solution. This really speaks to the idea that wearing a helmet is not the silver bullet defense, and skiing in control and being aware of others should be the first line of defense of safety on the slopes.” This highlights the need for skiers and snowboarders to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as accidents can occur in an instant.

Johnson Family: Resilience Through Loss and New Beginnings

They have welcomed two more daughters, Reese, 11, and Leilani, 9, into their family after Elise's death.

This new chapter in their lives reflects their resilience and commitment to honoring Elise’s memory while fostering a love for skiing within their family. The story of the Johnsons is not just a personal tragedy; it serves as a broader call to action for the skiing community.

Enhancing Safety Awareness in Skiing

It underscores the necessity for improved safety measures and awareness on the slopes. Skiing is a popular winter sport enjoyed by millions, but it also carries inherent risks.S. ski areas each year, and while the majority of these visits are safe, accidents do happen.

Even the small detail that Elise and Kelli cannot fully remember the moment of impact adds another layer to the Johnsons’ grief, and that’s why they’re speaking out now.

Snow Angel Foundation: Promoting Ski Safety Awareness

In light of this, organizations like the Snow Angel Foundation play a vital role in educating skiers and snowboarders about safety practices. They provide resources and training to help individuals understand the risks associated with skiing and how to navigate them effectively.

This includes promoting the importance of wearing helmets, understanding slope etiquette, and being aware of one’s surroundings. Moreover, the foundation’s outreach efforts aim to engage with young skiers, instilling in them a sense of responsibility and caution from an early age.

Promoting Safety and Awareness in Skiing Culture

By sharing Elise’s story, Chauncy and Kelli hope to inspire others to prioritize safety and create a culture of awareness on the slopes. Their initiative is particularly important as skiing continues to grow in popularity, attracting new participants who may not be fully aware of the potential dangers. Grieving the death of a child is an unimaginable pain, and the Johnsons’ story serves as a reminder of the need for compassionate support for bereaved families.

Organizations like The Compassionate Friends provide invaluable resources for individuals navigating the complexities of grief, offering a safe space to share experiences and find solace among others who understand their pain. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety, awareness, and community in the world of skiing, urging all who enjoy the sport to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others on the slopes.

Support for Grief: Contact The Compassionate Friends

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or loss, reaching out to support organizations can be a crucial step toward healing. The Compassionate Friends can be contacted at (877) 969-0010, offering a compassionate ear and understanding for those navigating the difficult journey of bereavement.

The Johnsons can’t undo that crash, but they’re determined to make sure other families don’t relive it.

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