Oklahoma College Student Dies in Colorado Ski Accident

Monday, December 11th 2006, 12:12 pm

By: News On 6

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) -- A 20-year-old Oklahoma college student died after suffering severe head injuries when he ran into a tree while skiing at the Keystone Ski Resort, the Summit County coroner said.

Benjamin Hawk of Portland, Ore., was skiing an intermediate run at about 1:10 p.m.. Sunday when he lost control and hit the tree, Coroner Joanne Richardson said.

He was not wearing a helmet, authorities said.

Richardson said Hawk was airlifted to St. Anthony's Central Hospital in Denver and pronounced dead at 7:15 p.m.

Hawk attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and was skiing with friends from school, Richardson said.

Keystone is about 60 miles west of Denver.

[PICTURE COURTESY OF OWU]