Coroner: Loveland ski patrol illegally moved skier's body

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) -- The Clear Creek County Coroner says officials with the Loveland Ski Area mishandled a dead body after a skier died on the slopes last week.

http://bit.ly/2nPs8JAThe Summit Daily News reports that 35-year-old Cole Barker, of Silver Plume, died Friday at Loveland Ski Area. Ski patrollers pronounced Barker dead and then shuttled his body down the hill and began cleaning up the scene before investigators arrived.

Colorado law prohibits moving a dead body from the scene of an accident without the authority of the coroner.

Coroner Chris Hegmann says the scene of the incident was mostly clear of evidence when his investigators arrived at the scene. He says he'll have to rely on photographs and information from snow patrol to aid his investigation.

Loveland officials say they are cooperating with authorites.