Hundreds Mourn Boy Who Died In Ski Lift Fall

DAVIS (CBS13) – Family, friends and classmates gathered Thursday evening to remember the seven-year-old boy who died after a fatal fall from a ski lift earlier this week.

John Henderson's older sister, Jessica Henderson, said her brother learned to ski when he was four years old and eagerly took on the challenge of more and more difficult runs, even joining the Sugar Bowl resort's ski team two years ago.

John, a second grade student who lived in Davis, fell from the Mount Lincoln Express Chairlift just before noon Sunday and died at a Reno hospital Tuesday. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

"My dad called me when he had fallen," Jessica said. "I was in the Boston airport and I was already coming home."

Jessica said she and her family were comforted by hundreds of well-wishers at John's visitation in Davis on Thursday, but the shock of the tragedy is still sinking in.

"It's been very difficult, and I think it will continue to be," Jessica said.

Family members said John was also passionate about learning, and had a sense of unbridled confidence and independence.

John will be laid to rest Friday.