Tragic Death of Skier Charles Russell Johnson

The skies are darkened over Squaw Valley, California as the skiing community mourns the tragic loss of skier Charles Russell Johnson. Rest in peace, CR.

Charles Russell Johnson III, 26, died yesterday in a tragic accident while skiing at Squaw Valley, California, on the Light Towers run off the Headwall lift.

Eyewitness J.T. Holmes, who was riding on the Headwall lift, saw the accident, and explained that Johnson was skiing the steep run, lost control, struck a rock and immediately appeared lifeless. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered immense trauma to his head and neck. The Squaw Valley Ski Patrol instantly skied to the scene and performed resuscitation to no avail.

“C.R. possessed a perspective for the mountains and the sport of skiing that transcended skiers all around the world to new heights,” says 4FRNT Skis’ Matt Sterbenz, who sponsored Johnson and assisted him in the design of C.R. Johnson’s pro model ski, the CRJ.

Shortly after the accident, Sterbenz spoke to C.R. Johnson’s father, Russ, and Holmes. “His creative vision and positive personality brought the best out of anyone he ever met. He will remain a huge influence on my life and the many others that were fortunate to know him.”

Charles Russell Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury in December 2005 when another skier landed on him while skiing inbounds at Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. He was induced in a coma for 10 days during his 34-day stay at the University of Utah hospital before returning home to his parents’ house in the Tahoe area.

“He was a friend, a brother, and an amazing person that we all believed in. We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family,” says Gabe Schroder, Ski Promotions Manager of Smith Optics.

Recently, Charles Russell was taking online college classes in design while at the same time working on his ski career.

The accident is a terrible tragedy, and C.R. Johnson is survived by his parents, Loraine and Russ, his older sister Kahlil, and the entire ski community.

5 comments

Cathy wrote at 05.06.2010

Very nice, Mike. How very rude and hurtful.

Will Kautz wrote at 01.03.2010

Dear Loraine and Russ: My son was killed in 2007 when an avalanche swept him over a 70 foot cliff in the Tetons. He was 25 years old. I feel for you and if you should need to talk with me, feel free to write. You can read about my son Justin, and contact me by going to kwkautz.com/justin.html God bless! -Will

Susanne wrote at 26.02.2010

May the peace of God that passes all understanding flood the heart of this precious young man's family to comfort, heal and one day restore their joy to the fullest. Much love to LJ and RJ.

Karen Kellock Ph.D. wrote at 26.02.2010

Like many supertalented geniuses, CR Johnson died early. I knew him well though I never met him. When once asked if he was "gay" he answered abruptly "Hell, NO!". He didn't chirp the tolerant party line but stood up for manhood, as learned from his father Russel. That's why--despite a traumatic brain injury--he had to resume skiing: because it gave him his "identity as a man". He loved skiing so much no one could dissuade him, for as he said after his first accident "skiing is worth dying for." He loved his friends, family and skiing--that's it, his whole focus. When last seen he spoke of "Cris"--Rasta for Jesus Christ. Thus, CR is in heaven! We should feel joy, for death opens up the heavens and CR's castle. He is skiing in the clouds in the arms of Jesus, for Rastafarians are Jamaican Christians. See you soon, CR! You focused, you won, you made excellent use of your time here, you were a brilliant comet and now you're with Jesus, your Eternal Reward. You've been taken away from the trouble to come and you\\\'ve avoided old age, in your short life you became the Sage. Now in death you\\\'ll be the new world rage, having escaped the earthly cage.

Experiencing death of friends should only make you more humble as new life mends. Enjoy each and every moment cuz though life seems swell, you can never tell. CR JOHNSON the best freeskiier in the world went to heaven, not hell. He loved "Cris" (Rasta for Jesus) so heaven opened up the minute he fell

mike wrote at 25.02.2010

I feel bad for his family, no one should lose a child. But when you participate in a dangerous sport,you have to expect something like this,especially when you become over confident.

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