News

Actions

Skier suspected of pushing snowboarder off lift

Posted at 10:50 AM, Jan 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-20 12:50:01-05

Authorities say a local skier may have pushed a snowboarder off a chairlift at Aspen Highlands.

The Aspen Timesreports that 28-year-old snowboarder Seth Beckton says he was pushed from the chairlift Sunday morning. Pitkin County Sheriff's Deputy Jesse Steindler says his current suspect is a local man but did not release his identity.

Beckton said he fell face first, 20 to 25 feet, and landed in a pile of snow and was not injured. The incident occurred 50 to 100 feet from the top of the lift just past the last lift tower, he said.

A lift operator stopped the chairs after Beckton was pushed, but not before the skier was able to exit the chair, he said.

Aspen Skiing Co. spokesman Jeff Hanle says the company is sharing security video camera footage with police.

Steindler and Skico officials met with Beckton Tuesday. Steindler says deputies also interviewed several witnesses.

Beckton says he was riding the lift with a skier who became offended by something he said and responded by pushing him from the chair.