EUGENE, Ore. – Friends and family are mourning the loss of a University of Oregon student who died while skiing on Mount Bachelor.
Nicole Panet-Raymond, 19, died Friday after falling into a tree well, which is an area of loose snow around a tree trunk.
Her former high school in Portland, St. Mary’s Academy, held a special prayer service for her Monday.
Those who knew her well, or even just in passing, said she was a shining spirit and kind soul.
Her death came just hours after another tragedy on Mount Bachelor. A snowboarder died after also falling into a tree well.
Experts said these accidents happened due to an increase in light, powdery snow. Before this, it had been nearly three years since the last death on Mount Bachelor, and 16 years since one involving a tree well.
