Mother of Child Injured in Hit-and-Run at Colorado Resort Asks Public for Help
At the beginning of March, an 8-year-old skier was seriously injured after a crash with an older snowboarder at Winter Park Resort. Now, that boy’s mother is calling for accountability.
Denver resident Ann Lotin wrote a letter to the editor at The Denver Post that was published on March 11, detailing the experience. Her son suffered a concussion, facial lacerations that required stitches, and a lost tooth that she says “will require years of dental work.” Lotin is calling any potential witnesses to come forward.
“Despite news coverage seen by millions of people across the country, no one has come forward as a witness or perpetrator,” she wrote in her letter. “I understand the fear of becoming involved in contentious situations, particularly in a country where many people seem unpredictable, but I wonder where our collective empathy and humanity have gone. Have we reached a point, as a community, where we are no longer willing to stand up for those who need us? If so, how can we expect anyone else to help us when we are in need?”
Lotin’s son was skiing near Butch’s Breezeway and Gangway when he stopped on the run. An “unidentified, middle-aged male snowboarder” struck him, which caused both parties to fall to the ground. The snowboarder reportedly spoke briefly to Lotin’s son before leaving. A bystander helped the young boy and brought him to a ski patroller, who took him to the East Grand Community Clinic for treatment, according to the local ABC station.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has appropriate information is asked to reach out to the police at 970-722-7779.
“I urge everyone to consider how they might do better to serve their friends, neighbors, and community. If this were your son, nephew, friend, or neighbor, what would you want for them?” Lotin wrote to the Post. “Surely, you would want more.”
No one has asked my opinion on this, but I will just say this. We, snowboarders, get a bad enough rap from the skiing population. Please don’t further these stereotypes. If you crash into a child, maybe just stop and help them?