A 27-year-old New York City investment firm associate was killed in a tragic skiing accident Tuesday on a backcountry slope near a popular Vermont resort, authorities said.
The body of Brooks Ralph was discovered by search crews around midnight — five hours after he was reported missing at Stowe Mountain Resort, local officials said.
He was found in a wooded, out-of-bounds area, Stowe police said.
The young man’s body was brought to the state’s chief medical examiner’s office to determine cause of death, but a preliminary probe indicates his death was accidental, police said Wednesday.
Ralph lived in Cold Spring in Putnam County and worked at Big Apple independent investment firm Hunter Point Capital as an associate.
“The entire Hunter Point Capital team is devastated by the tragic loss of our colleague and friend Brooks Ralph, who will be dearly missed,” the firm said in a statement to The Post. “We extend our deepest condolences to Brooks’ family and loved ones.”
Ralph previously worked at Barclays Capital after he graduated with honors from Columbia University, earning a degree in operations research and financial engineering, according to a bio on the company’s website.
“As skiers ourselves, we understand the draw to explore the backcountry and we’re devastated at the senseless loss of such a beautiful, adventurous young life,” Stowe Mountain Rescue said in a Facebook post.
The group, which was involved in finding Ralph, warned skiers that backcountry skiing can lead to risks.
“There are multiple hazards, from unexpected cliff bands to hidden rocks, potential snow slides and deadly tree wells,” Stowe Mountain Rescue stated. “Honestly, there is little that can be done to mitigate these hazards, even for expert skiers.”
With Post wires