HASTINGS, Minn. — A 12-year-old boy from Hastings died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a serious skiing accident over the weekend.
Tegan Johnson was skiing at Welch Village Ski Area in Welch, Minnesota on Sunday when he was seriously injured on a closed trail, according to a release from Welch Village Ski Area.
According to the release, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. and when ski patrol arrived on scene, Johnson was unconscious and unresponsive.
Red Wing Emergency services transferred Johnson to a local medical facility, but according to Tegan's obituary, he died Tuesday morning at Gillette Children's Hospital. His family has asked that memorials be made to the Tegan Johnson Memorial Fund at Vermillion State Bank.
His obituary reads in part:
"Tegan loved life and simply lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed racing dirt bikes, playing baseball in Miesville, hanging out with his friends, watching movies, collecting various things from the outdoors, water skiing and downhill skiing. Tegan especially enjoyed pheasant hunting with his dad and grandpa in South Dakota, spending time at the family cabin up north, and dirt biking with his brothers and friends. Most of all, Tegan truly loved the time spent with family and cherished the many traditions they established."
Johnson was a seventh-grader at Hastings Middle School.
Principal Steve Kovach sent out a letter to the families of the student body explaining the incident and offering assistance, including school and community counselors, psychologists and social workers, for anyone impacted.
"All of us at Hastings Middle School extend our deepest sympathy to Tegan's family and friends," said Kovach in his letter sent to Hastings Middle School families.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young skier. We would like to thank all the first responders and the Welch Village Ski Patrol for their help. We ask for your continued prayers and support for the skier’s family," said Welch Village Ski Area President/General Manager Peter Zotalis in a statement.
