A devastating incident unfolded on March 29, 2025, at Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Incline Village, Nevada, near Lake Tahoe. A seven-year-old girl, Adelyn Grimes, tragically lost her life after being struck by a large falling boulder while participating in an under-12 skiing championship.
Adelyn, a young skier from Reno, was enjoying the competition when a boulder dislodged from the surrounding terrain and fell onto the slope where she was skiing. The massive rock caused critical injuries, and despite rapid medical intervention and an emergency response, Adelyn tragically passed away at the scene. Her death was ruled accidental by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, confirming that no foul play was involved.
The sudden and heartbreaking loss of the young girl left the entire community in shock, particularly those at the Diamond Peak Ski Resort. The resort management, in coordination with local authorities, acted swiftly to offer grief counseling and mental health support for both staff and the guests who were affected by the traumatic event. Resort staff members, especially those working on the slopes, were given access to counseling services to help them process the tragedy.
This tragic accident has raised serious concerns about the safety of ski resorts, particularly regarding natural hazards like falling boulders. Ski resorts in mountainous areas often face risks from avalanches, rocks, and other environmental factors, but incidents like these bring the discussion to the forefront. While ski resorts have various safety measures in place, the tragic accident has spurred conversations about the need for improved safety protocols and more stringent monitoring of environmental hazards.
In the aftermath, local authorities, ski resort officials, and safety experts have expressed their commitment to reviewing safety standards across resorts in the region to ensure that such an incident never happens again. Experts have called for enhanced monitoring of potentially hazardous areas on the slopes and better communication systems for both skiers and resort staff to respond quickly to emergencies.
The loss of Adelyn Grimes has left an indelible mark on the community and has reminded everyone of the importance of vigilance, especially in environments with unpredictable natural risks. As the community mourns, the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk even in the most picturesque settings, and the need for constant attention to safety and precautionary measures.