Dallas LeBeau: Skier dies after failing to jump over the width of Highway 40 in Colorado

DENVER, COLORADO: A young man has lost his life after he tried to ski and jump over the width of Highway 40 in Colorado, authorities said.

Dallas LeBeau, 21, a Gilpin County resident, died in the accident on Tuesday, April 9 at approximately 3 pm after he fell short of clearing the roadway near Winter Park, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

LeBeau was unconscious and not breathing when a bystander initiated CPR until emergency personnel arrived. He was then declared dead at the scene.

Authorities issued a statement after Dallas LeBeau's death

“The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attempting to perform a high-risk skiing stunt by trying to clear the width of Highway 40 and unfortunately lacked the necessary speed and distance and subsequently landed on the highway pavement,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement, according to People.

The victim had been wearing a helmet and other protective gear, the sheriff’s office confirmed. As a result of the incident, traffic on Highway 40 was impacted in both directions as police probed into the accident.

Dallas LeBeau had a history of performing risky stunts

LeBeau had a history of performing stunts and welcoming risk, as recollected by his childhood friend. “He wanted to do things that nobody else had done,” Devin Shirk told Fox affiliate KDVR-TV. “He always said his birthday was the same day as Evel Knievel.”

LeBeau also loved to share his passion for skiing with those who were interested. “He encouraged other people to start skiing too,” Shirk said. “That was one of my favorite things about him too, is even if it wasn’t jumps, he would just be like, ‘You just gotta try skiing — it will change your life.'”

As of April 11, over $43,000 has been raised on GoFundMe for the young man's family.

Colorado Ski Country USA speaks out after Dallas LeBeau's death

Following LeBeau's tragic demise, the Colorado Ski Country USA said "The skier death in the back country on Berthoud Pass is a tragic accident and CSCUSA offers our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends."

"Whether skiing, snowboarding, or participating in another resort activity, we encourage everyone to keep safety top of mind as we head into the spring season. Reading, understanding, and following the ten points of Your Responsibility Code is the best way to keep yourself, your family, and those around as safe as possible. They’re the 'rules of the road' when it comes to safety on the slopes. Look for the bright yellow Your Responsibility Code sign when you’re skiing or snowboarding and ask any resort employee if you have any questions about the Code," the organization warned all fellow skiers.