The collision took place on Aspen Mountain in 2024. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A court case against a snowboarder who left the scene of a collision with a skier has concluded. According to the Aspen Times, two years after the initial incident, the New Jersey man has been sentenced to 45 days in jail.
In February of 2024, Anne Cassidy had just left the Gent’s Ridge lift on Aspen Mountain when she was struck from behind by a snowboarder. After the collision, the man continued down the mountain without stopping, despite being pursued by Cassidy’s friend Katy Frisch. According to Frisch, he told her “I couldn’t stop; I was on a snowboard,” to which she replied, “Well, maybe you shouldn’t be on the mountain.”
According to court documents, Cassidy suffered a number of injuries, including an ACL tear in both knees, an MCL tear in one knee, a medial root injury in her right knee, a torn meniscus in her right knee and a shoulder injury and an injury to her right hand. She told the Aspen Times that the injuries have prevented her from taking part in sports, which had previously been a large part of her life.
Using surveillance footage, ticketing records, and a photo taken by a bystander, Cassidy’s attorney Michael Fox was able to identify the snowboarder as Eric “Riku” Banushi. Once found, a criminal case against Banushi ensued. Prosecutors charged him with reckless endangerment, assault in the third degree and violating the Colorado Ski Safety Act.
On Friday, Banushi was convicted on all counts and sentenced to 45 days in jail.
Though ski and snowboard collisions are frequent, criminal cases surrounding them are rare – much less ones that lead to an actual conviction. The difference between this and others was Banushi’s decision to leave the scene without exchanging identifying information, which is illegal under the Colorado Ski Safety Act.
“If you are incapable of maintaining safety on the mountain and you truly can’t stop, you shouldn’t be putting other people’s lives at risk for your fun day on the mountain,” said District Attorney Megan Machak. “If you are reckless on a mountain, there are real consequences if you hurt someone.”
