2 Hudson Valley Men Die Skiing at Killington

Two Dutchess County men collapsed while skiing and died in two separate incidents at the Killington Ski Resort in Vermont this week.

Walter E. Gorgas was observed collapsing on the Trail “Header” at the Killington Ski Resort at 2:32 p.m. Dec. 12, according to Vermont State Police. The 80-year-old, who was a very experienced skier and instructor at the resort, was transported to the Rutland Regional Medical Center by Rutland Ambulance Service and was pronounced dead.

State police said there was no indication that Gorgas had collided with any other skiers and/or objects and appears to be a natural event.

Gorgas was a Wappingers Falls resident, police said.

Two days earlier, William P. Cusano of Lagrangeville, was found on an intermediate trail at the resort at 2:32 p.m. Dec. 10. He was transported the Rutland Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 3:44 p.m., Vermont State Police said.

The 65-year-old was an experienced skier, police said, "There was no indication that Cusano had been involved in a crash while skiing and his death appears to have been a natural event." Cusano will be examined at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington, Vermont, to determine the cause and manner of death.

SEE: Visitation, Service for William P. Cusano

PHOTO: View of Bear Mountain Base from Outer Limits, Killington via Wikimedia Commons