Christopher Yakscoe, 35, died following a ski accident Saturday at Park City Mountain. He was visiting from Scottsdale, Arizona, when he struck a tree on an advanced run off Tombstone Express lift.
Park City Mountain ski patrol responded to the incident at 1:47 p.m., performing chest compression and other lifesaving measures before Yakscoe was transported by AirMed to the University of Utah Hospital.
Yakscoe was the senior director and general manager of Bells AI with Netsmart, an artificial intelligence software company aiding medical documentation. In October, he was named a 2024 Future Leader by Behavioral Health Business.
He was a member of The Saguaros Children’s Charities, serving on the membership committee, and the board of directors for Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels to fight childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“Chris was an incredible friend, brother, son and Saguaro. His ability to light up any room and make everyone laugh was truly one of a kind. Chris is simply irreplaceable,” said The Saguaros in an Instagram post. “His devotion to our charity partners was unmatched. Chris set the standard for what it means to be a Saguaro.”
Yakscoe was born and raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh.
“I always looked up to Chris — not just for his incredible work ethic and talent, but for the person he was. Even though he was only a few years older than me, I often found myself aspiring to be more like him. Above all, I was lucky to call Chris a friend.” wrote Connor Zishka on his obituary page.
According to his obituary, Yakscoe leaves his parents, Noreen and Stephen Yakscoe, five siblings and his girlfriend.
“Chris took great pride in being a family man and was a devoted son, brother, uncle and godfather. He went above and beyond for the people he loved. Chris was highly intelligent, kind, generous, adventurous and fun-loving. His larger-than-life personality positively impacted everyone he met,” said the obituary.
Family members expressed concerns to ABC4 News that Yakscoe was denied his last rites and organ donation.
“The biggest question … why he couldn’t get last rites, why he couldn’t get sacrament of the sick, and then why all these other people were deprived of his organs,” said Yakscoe’s aunt, Coleen Nicolosi, to ABC4.
Father Martin Diaz of the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City told ABC4, “Once a person has died, they cannot receive the anointing of the sick, but we go and bless the body, bless the person.”
“Our entire Park City Mountain team extends our heartfelt sympathies to our guest’s family and friends,” said Deirdra Walsh, vice president and COO of Park City Mountain.
In an interview with Behavioral Health Business, Yakscoe offered advice to future leaders: “Challenge the status quo. A great leader of any kind should have a thirst for knowledge, appreciation for the past, ability to inspire, and put plans into action and much more.”