Westford Teen Dies In Skiing Accident At Nashoba Valley

WESTFORD (CBS) - A 13-year-old Westford boy died in a skiing accident Saturday afternoon at Nashoba Valley Ski Area, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office.

At about 2:20 p.m., Rajiv Paluri veered off the slope and struck a tree while skiing. He was wearing a helmet.

WBZ-TV's Julie Loncich reports that Paluri was with a group of friends before veering off the trail. One of his friends alerted a lift operator.

The incident occurred in an area between the Tomahawk and Lobo trails. Tomahawk is rated with a blue square, meaning "more difficult," while Lobo is rated with a black diamond, meaning "most difficult," according to a statement from the ski area.

Paluri was evacuated from the mountain by ski patrol and taken to paramedics from Westford Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

He was taken to Lowell General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"All of us are deeply shaken by this incident," said Al Fletcher, general manager at Nashoba Valley.

"Our hearts are with his family. We can only imagine what they're going through."

Fletcher said that this is the first ski-related fatality at Nashoba Valley since opening 51 years ago. He also said that the trails were in excellent condition.

School officials released statements Saturday night about Paluri.

"The Blanchard family is very saddened by the loss of our student and friend Rajiv," said Lloyd G. Blanchard Middle School Principal Robin Whitney.

"Rajiv and and his family are in our thoughts and hearts. We will be offering counseling services at Lloyd G. Blanchard Middle School for our students and staff tomorrow from 1-3 and 8-2 on Tuesday."

"We are all deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Rajiv. He was an excellent student who was well-liked by his classmates and staff at the Blanchard School," said Westford Public Schools Superintendent Everett Olsen, Jr.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone in our school system are with Rajiv's family and friends at this very difficult time. Tomorrow from 1-3 (p.m.), and on Tuesday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. we will have counselors available at the Blanchard School to meet with students and staff to help them process their feelings of grief and to share their memories and loving thoughts of Rajiv."

The Westford Police Department and the Nashoba Valley Ski Patrol are both investigating the accident.