Man hospitalized with serious injuries following frightening Slush Cup crash, family says

GIRDWOOD, Alaska (KTUU) – A skier sustained serious injuries Saturday after a frightening crash in the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup event at the Alyeska Resort Spring Carnival.

Family members of 29-year-old William Ingrim confirmed that Ingrim is currently hospitalized with injuries sustained participating in Saturday’s pond skim, and said his medical team is working to determine his prognosis.

Video footage captured at the event shows Ingrim skiing down the slope leading up to the pool of water, hitting the jump at high speed, and crossing over almost the entire length of the pool before landing hard near the end of it. Medical personnel staged at the pool can be seen rushing to his aid in the moments after the crash.

Ingrim’s mother, Robin, told Alaska’s News Source on Sunday that she was told her son is “stable” but in a medically-induced coma. She added that he will “probably” be paralyzed.

Other family members disputed that information Monday, telling Alaska’s News Source that a lot about Ingrim’s status is unknown.

Family members who are currently in Alaska and who spoke with doctors released a short statement Monday night:

“It’s a tough time for Will, but he’s a resilient young man. it’s an unimaginable time for his family and friends and we appreciate all the outpouring of love, prayers and support.”

According to his family, Ingrim is a commercial fisherman. During the winter months, he works as a coach at the Alyeska Ski Club.

Ingrim is one of seven siblings, a brother with six sisters, his family said.

“He’s precious to me,” Robin said about her son. “Will is the nicest young man you know.

“It’s going to be very hard on all of us.”

As of Sunday, Robin said she has not heard from Alyeska Resort.

Officials with Alyeska told Alaska’s News Source on Monday that their thoughts are with the participant and their loved ones during this time. The resort also stated that the safety of their guests and participants remains their highest priority.

“The Slush Cup is a longstanding event that is carefully planned with safety measures in place, including trained personnel and emergency response teams on site,” the statement from Alyeska spokesperson Bayne Salmon read.

“Out of respect for the individual and their family, we will not be sharing additional personal details at this time.”

Alaska’s News Source asked the resort if anyone in the past has ever been injured while participating in the event in the past, but have not heard back as of publication.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new information from members of the skier’s family, including sensitivity to their wishes in providing updates on his current medical condition.

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