Boston teenager dies in 'freak accident' while skiing, family says

A 15-year-old died during a 'freak accident' at a ski resort in New Hampshire, according to the boy's family.

The high school sophomore died after an accident on Saturday night at Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker, New Hampshire, about 90 miles north of East Boston, reported television station WHDH.

The boy, Christopher DiPrima, was a student at Excel Academy Charter High School in Boston and previously graduated from Excel Academy Greenway, the school posted on Facebook.

"Christopher was a kind and caring person who brought joy to everyone he met," the post read. "He will be truly missed."

What happened to Christopher?

Christopher was skiing with members of his family, including his cousin, Steven Gingras, on the Duster ski trail at Pats Peak Ski Area when the incident occurred about 6:35 p.m. Saturday, Gingras and resort representatives said.

Gingras told WHDH that Christopher hit a bump, landed incorrectly and said he had chest pains shortly before his death.

Gingras said his cousin started skiing last year and was familiar with the trail.

“We’re not really sure what went wrong,” Gingras told the outlet. “It was just a total freak accident.”

Christopher was taken to the base area where a rescue squad was waiting before he was transported to Concord Hospital where he eventually died, said the spokesperson for Pats Peak.

“Our sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time," said Kris Blomback, general manager of Pats Peak, in a statement. "The staff of Pats Peak is saddened by the incident last night and the investigation is ongoing.”

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Loved ones remember the kind, smart teenager

Those who knew Christopher said he was smart and a film fanatic. He also liked chess and his interest in skiing was new, WHDH reported.

He also loved technology, said Excel Academy CEO Owen Stearns.

“Just talking to his dad, he was the kid who went to every relative’s house to fix whatever problem they needed on their computer,” Stearns told WHDH.

While talking to the outlet, Gingras, his cousin, had a message for the public.

“Never take for granted the time that you have and the time that you have with people you care most about,” he said.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757 – and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen dies at Pats Peak ski area after 'freak accident' family says