Paraplegic Skier Dies At A-Basin

FRISCO, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado authorities say a paraplegic skier was killed after taking a hard fall at Arapahoe Basin ski area.

The Summit County Coroner's office says Jack Ward, 51, of Golden used a "sit ski" device that allowed him to sit while going down the slopes.

The office says witnesses report that the edges of Ward's skis caught on the snow and he crashed "very hard" Thursday afternoon.

The coroner didn't provide other details but says the death was accidental death and no autopsy was planned.

Ward was described as an excellent skier who had been skiing without the use of his legs for a quarter century.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)