College Athlete Dies in Freak Skiing Accident on Black Diamond Trail

A college freshman athlete died this week from a skiing accident in Massachusetts while attempting one of the resort's more difficult trails.

Alex Kemp, 19, a freshman at Williams College, had been skiing at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA on Monday. At 2:39 p.m., authorities received a 911 call that stated an accident had taken place on the left side of Cutter Trail, which is listed as a black diamond trail on the resort's website.

Ski patrol quickly arrived to the scene along with paramedics, who tried to save the teen's life. Kemp was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and then transferred to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. But unfortunately, he died from his injuries on Tuesday.

"Kemp had gone over an embankment and appeared to have suffered significant head trauma," the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said in a statement on Wednesday, per CBS News.

"There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. The victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident," clarified Julia Sabourin, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office, adding that the resort has cooperated throughout the investigation.

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Williams College president Maud Mandel wrote in a statement on the university's website that Kemp had been recruited by cross country coach Dusty Lopez from Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey, which boasts a nationally respected cross country program. Thanks to his "talent and personality," Kemp had already become a beloved and important member of the team.

"Alex had a self-assured, positive, kind way about him and it was consistent every day," Lopez said. "This made him such a valuable member of our team, even in his first year—above and beyond his obvious gifts as an athlete. He loved being at Williams, being part of our team, and he always knew how to bring others along with him."

Kemp had planned to complete a doctorate in computer science but was also studying political science and economics. While attending high school, he volunteered at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit restaurant that serves those in need based on donations; as well as at a camp where he helped teach children with disabilities to ride adaptable bikes.

In his college essay, Kemp wrote: "Everyone needs someone to root for them and to remind them to always root for themselves."