Teen dies in skiing accident at Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire

Sydnie Quimby died in a skiing accident at Gunstock Mountain in N.H.gofundme

A teenager died from injuries sustained in a skiing accident at Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire on Monday, officials said.

Gilford High School Principal Anthony Sperazzo identified the victim in an e-mail as Sydnie Quimby, a 15-year-old freshman.

“This is a sad loss for our community,” Sperazzo wrote in a message to the school community. “Students were informed of this loss during first block by their teacher. We are working diligently to support our students, staff, and families.”

Shortly after noon on Monday, rescue crews responded to the mountain for a report of a skier who had suffered serious injuries, officials said. Quimby was initially taken to Laconia Hospital and then was transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

“According to witnesses, she skied off the trail and had impact with trees and rocks resulting in injury,” Tom Day, general manager of Gunstock Mountain Resort, said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time.”

Quimby was a member of Northeast Six Shooters, a club that participates in cowboy-style shooting competitions while mounted on horseback and has members across the New England states, as well as New York and Pennsylvania, according to its website.

Molly Slombo, who serves on the board of directors for Northeast Six Shooters, said Quimby was entering her third season participating in the sport alongside her grandfather.

“They would compete together, and they would travel together, and they were both very active members of our club,” Slombo said in an interview. “She trained the horse herself, and she was a very dedicated, loving, smart, talented individual.”

Quimby adored her horse, named Mercy, and she never missed weekly practice with the club, Slombo said, describing the teen as “very, very dedicated” and a skilled marksman.

“Never complained, never had anything bad to say, always volunteered, was just always there,” she said of the teen. “She was very, very brave. She never was scared or anything. She was always willing to try.”

When Quimby competed, her playlists always included Taylor Swift, one of her favorite singers, Slombo said. Quimby had turned 15 in September and was mature for her age, Slombo said.

“She had all the ambition in the world,” she said. “She could have done anything.”

Quimby loved attending fairs hosted around New Hampshire by the Northeast Six Shooters and never missed one after she became a member, Slombo said.

“I can’t even imagine what her friends and family are going through,” Slombo said. “It’s a terrible loss for our club.”