Federal safety inspectors have opened an investigation into the ski-slope accident that claimed the life of 41-year-old snowmaker Brian Mattice of Gilboa this week at Hunter Mountain in Greene County.
The fatal workplace accident was reported Wednesday by the ski resort's managers to the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration's regional office in Albany within the required 8-hour time period for such events, said Rita Young, assistant area director for OSHA.
One of the local OSHA office's 14 compliance officers went to Hunter Mountain on Thursday to begin gathering information, Young confirmed.
State troopers said Mattice slipped on the icy edge of the Milky Way trail while working on snowmaking equipment Wednesday morning.
He then slid down the steep embankment, suffering severe head injuries when he struck a rock and a tree, officials said.
Police said Mattice was wearing a helmet and his boots were fitted with crampons -- metal devices used with footwear to give traction in icy situations.
Young said OSHA's investigations of fatal workplace accidents typically take three to six months to complete.
"Not every fatality results in a citation," she said. "If we don't issue a citation, then we close the case."
In those investigations that culminate with citations, the findings and penalty are released to the public, she said.
Funeral arrangements for Mattice are being handled by Miller Funeral Home in Roxbury.
They were not complete Thursday night.
Following the mishap, the resort's management released a statement, saying: "Hunter Mountain expresses its deepest condolences to our employee's family and friends. Our entire staff grieves with them."
Local News
Federal safety inspectors open investigation into fatal Hunter Mountain accident
- Local News
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Memorial Day hits home for local hamlet
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On the Bright Side: Area girl becomes fourth sister named Dairy Princess
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Police: Student made gun threat in Walton
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SPCA's costs for seized dogs grow
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Man arrested after 2-month drug investigation
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C'town All-Star Village to open this summer
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Memorial Day hours
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Saying goodbye hurts most when the experience has been worthwhile
This is my last Reporter's Notebook column for The Daily Star.
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Memorial Day events: Chenango County
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Memorial Day events: Delaware County
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Memorial Day events: Otsego County
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2 retired Salvation Army majors honored with Oneonta luncheon
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Study: Area unemployment holds steady
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Truck overturns on I-88
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Hartwick students to be honored this weekend
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DEP opens additional reservoir space for boating
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Stamford man sentenced on sexual abuse charges
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- Thursday, May 24, 2012
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3 local museums to offer free admission to military
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