Ski star Zoricic dies after crash in World Cup event in Switzerland

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UPDATED:

15:14 GMT, 10 March 2012

Canadian racer Nick Zoricic has died after crashing heavily in a World Cup skis cross event in Switzerland.

The International Ski Federation said Zoricic died at 12.35pm local time, 11.35am UK time, as a result of 'severe neurotrauma'.

Tragedy: Nick Zoricic is carried away by medics after his crash

Zoricic, 29, crashed into safety nets lining the side of the course after going wide over the final jump.

Television pictures showed Zoricic tumbling through the nets as his skis and poles were thrown clear.

Zoricic was treated on the course before being taken by helicopter to a hospital for further treatment. Organisers later abandoned the World Cup event.

Crash: Zoricic was a hugely talented skier

An FIS statement read: 'Nick Zoricic
fell heavily just before the finish in the round of eight, crashing
directly into the safety netting and thereafter lying motionless.

'The
medical care from team doctors and Air Glacier followed immediately.
Despite reanimation, Zoricic died at 12.35 (Swiss time) as a result of
severe neurotrauma.

'The
organising committee, FIS and Swiss Ski express their deepest
condolences to the family and friends of Nick Zoricic and the Canadian
Ski Team.'

Top talent: Nick Zoricic competes during a ski cross event in Lake Placid in 2010

Max Gartner, president of Alpine Canada, said: 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with Nick's parents and his family.

'Nick was a very talented young ski racer and a great athlete who was much loved by his team-mates and fellow competitors. He will be greatly missed by all of us and the ski community as a whole.'