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Texas girl gravely injured in crash at Beaver Creek

Edward StonerVail Daily

BEAVER CREEK – A 13-year-old girl has been declared brain-dead after colliding with a tree while skiing on Beaver Creek Mountain on Sunday, officials said.Taylor Storch, of Coppell, Texas, sustained multiple injuries after falling backwards, veering off the trail and hitting a tree, said Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis.The teen was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, authorities said.Beaver Creek released a statement saying the accident occurred on the intermediate Latigo trail. Authorities were notified at 4:20 p.m., and Ski Patrol responded immediately, according to the statement. The Ski Patrol provided “advanced life support,” and the girl was taken to the Vail Valley Medical Center.She was later transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, where she was listed in critical condition as of Monday evening, said Jerry Spicer, vice president of patient services at the hospital.Taylor was declared brain-dead at 12:15 p.m. Monday, Bettis said.”Words cannot begin 2 explain our sorrow, sadness & helplessness,” said Taylor’s father, Todd, in a posting to his Twitter account Monday. “God gave us Taylor for 14 years. To know her or of her is a blessing.”Todd Storch, who described this daughter as “just an amazing athlete,” decided with his wife to donate Taylor’s organs, he said.”She didn’t live long enough to do all the good she wanted to do,” he said. “She would have given her arm if someone needed it. It’s comforting, and all the things I can’t express, to know my daughter will help someone tonight and in the morning.”Until the accident, the family was having a wonderful ski trip, Todd Storch said.”I’ve got to tell you that we were having the vacation of our life,” he said. “The kids couldn’t have been happier. It was perfect.”The girl was a beginner skier who was taking lessons during her trip here, Bettis said. However, she was not in a lesson at the time of the accident, said Beaver Creek spokeswoman Jen Brown.”Beaver Creek Resort, Beaver Creek Ski Patrol and the Vail Resorts family extend their deepest sympathy and support to the family and friends of the young woman,” Vail Resorts said in its statement.As of Monday evening, more than 700 people had joined a group on Facebook asking for prayers for Taylor.”Deepest sympathies,” said one poster. “I cannot imagine what this family must be going through right now. No parent should have to outlive their child. May God wrap his loving arms around each and every one of you.”


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