A 44-year-old Vancouver woman is dead following a tragic on-mountain accident at Whistler Blackcomb in late January.
Friends have identified the woman on social media as Kumiko Umeno, who previously owned and operated a popular Peruvian restaurant on East Broadway in Vancouver (the restaurant closed in early 2020 at the start of COVID). A spokesperson for Whistler Blackcomb confirmed on Feb. 11 that "a serious incident" involving a guest took place on its slopes on Thursday, Jan. 20.
In a statement, the resort said Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol responded to the incident near Sun Bowl in the Harmony zone. The guest was transported to the Whistler Health Care Centre, where, after further emergency care and evaluation, she was pronounced deceased.
“Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends,” said Geoff Buchheister, COO of Whistler Blackcomb, in a release.
The BC Coroners Service confirmed it is currently investigating a death that occurred at Whistler Blackcomb on Jan. 20, but was unable to provide any additional information while the investigation remains underway.
