21-Year-Old Skier’s Attempt To Jump Highway 40 In Colorado Ends In Tragedy

A 21-year-old man lost his life while attempting to perform a skiing stunt across a Colorado highway.

The young victim, identified as Dallas LeBeau, took on the daredevil adventure of trying to make a “high-risk” jump and leap 40 feet over Highway 40 in Grand County on Tuesday, April 9.

Dallas failed to clear the width of the roadway near Winter Park and landed on the highway pavement before a bystander found him unconscious and not breathing. An onlooker administered CPR, and 911 calls were made to the local dispatch center around 3 p.m.

“On April 9, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m., the Grand County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a skiing accident on Highway 40 ... It was reported that a 21-year-old male was unconscious and not breathing and that bystander CPR had been initiated,” the Grand County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced the young skier deceased.

As per the preliminary investigation, officials found that Dallas was “attempting to perform a high-risk skiing stunt by trying to clear the width of Highway 40 and unfortunately lacked the necessary speed and distance and subsequently landed on the highway pavement,” the sheriff’s office said. “The victim had been wearing a helmet and other protective gear.”

The incident affected traffic on Highway 40 from both directions as emergency responders were present at the scene.

A childhood friend, Devin Shirk, who had been pals with Dallas since they were toddlers, revealed that the victim had loved to ski since he was a child and would encourage others to try it out as well.

“He wanted to do things that nobody else had done. He always said his birthday was the same day as Evil Knievel,” Devin told FOX31.

“He encouraged other people to start skiing too,” Devin added. “That was one of my favorite things about him too, is even if it wasn’t jumps, he would just be like, ‘You just gotta try skiing — it will change your life.'”

Devin started a GoFundMe page for Dallas to help offset funeral costs for the grieving family.

“Hi, my name is Devin. Dallas was a close friend of mine since before preschool,” Devin wrote on the fundraiser.

“He was one of the most joyful and kind people you could ever meet. He was always raising good spirits and loved to ski ever since he was 2,” he added.

The bereaved friend hoped to raise enough money through the fundraiser so that the family has “one less thing to stress about.”

“I wanted to start this GoFundMe to help the family of Dallas Lebeau with the costs of the funeral and the financial expenses that may come their way. And give them one less thing to stress about. Thank you,” Devin concluded.

The goal for the fundraiser was set at $20,000, but the community showed up with an outpour of love and support, exceeding the goal to reach $48,121 so far.

Many commented on the fundraising page with fond memories that they have shared with Dallas.

“I will always remember Dallas's great passion for skiing and attitude, so many fun park days … Love and peace to family and close friends,” said a donor named Patrick Manyak.

“We met Dallas a while back. He was an inspiring slopestyle competitor in our local USASA series, his presence will be missed by all,” Paul Krahulec wrote in the comments section. “RIP Dallas.”

“Ever since I met Dallas, he has treated me like one of his own. We met through a mutual friend, and he has treated me like family. This kid is f---ing amazing,” added Danny Forebaugh.

Jaxson Holme wrote, “Dallas has been my best friend since we met on the first day of comp center. We have shared highs and lows and everything in between. I will miss his eagerness to do the things he loved and his dedication to everyone in his life. Forever my best friend.”

Colorado Ski Country USA, a trade association representing Colorado ski resorts, acknowledged the tragic incident that claimed Dallas’ life.

“The skier death in the back country on Berthoud Pass is a tragic accident and CSCUSA offers our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends,” the statement said.

They went on to warn skiers that safety must be the top priority while skiing, snowboarding, and performing other snow sports or activities.

“Whether skiing, snowboarding, or participating in another resort activity, we encourage everyone to keep safety top of mind as we head into the spring season,” the statement went on to say. “Reading, understanding, and following the ten points of Your Responsibility Code is the best way to keep yourself, your family, and those around as safe as possible. They’re the ‘rules of the road’ when it comes to safety on the slopes. Look for the bright yellow Your Responsibility Code sign when you’re skiing or snowboarding and ask any resort employee if you have any questions about the Code.”