Young college student Alexandra Blattner is killed in skiing accident after breaking her neck at Granite Peak in Rib Mountain Wisconsin

A chilling accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, has claimed the life of a young college student, marking the second fatality at the resort in under a month.

Alexandra “Ally” Blattner, 20, tragically died after colliding with a tree while skiing, leaving her friends, family, and the campus community in deep shock.

The Accident Unfolds

According to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews responded to the scene shortly before 7:30 p.m. on February 5, after receiving reports of a severe skiing accident.

Tragically, by the time help arrived, Blattner had already died.

Her friend, who was skiing with her that evening, described their pace down the slopes at approximately 25 to 30 miles per hour, as recorded by his phone.

After reaching the bottom ahead of Blattner and not seeing her, he retraced his path with the ski lift—only to find ski patrol already at the scene.

Medical examination later confirmed that Blattner had broken her neck and passed away instantly.

Life and Legacy at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

Blattner was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where she served as vice president of recruitment for the Tri Sigma sorority and held a seat as a student government senator.

She was studying pre-nursing and psychology and hailed from Neenah, a city on the shores of Lake Winnebago.

Chancellor Manohar Singh shared his personal memories of Ally, saying they connected soon after he joined the university, describing her as someone unforgettable.

“Ally is something that I’ll also be living with for my entire life,” Singh said.

Her obituary painted a picture of a vibrant, compassionate young woman: “A shining light in every room she entered.

She wouldn’t walk away until you were smiling and laughing along with her. Although short, she lived her life with energy, meaning, and enjoyment.”

Tributes from Sorority and Campus Community

On February 9, Tri Sigma’s national chapter released a heartfelt tribute.

Epsilon Kappa Chapter President Tori Deptula described Ally as a sister who made a lasting impact on both their lives and the broader campus community.

National Chapter President Lauren Moran offered condolences, emphasizing that Ally’s compassion and leadership would continue to inspire everyone who knew her.

The family encouraged donations in Ally’s memory to the sorority’s chosen philanthropy, March of Dimes, or to local organizations like Boys and Girls Brigade, the Tri Sigma Foundation, or Touch of Class at Neenah High School.

Volunteering at nursing homes or mental health facilities was also suggested as a way to honor her life.

A Resort Facing a Recent Spate of Tragedy

Blattner’s death is the second fatality at Granite Peak within a month.

On January 11, Matthew Ciolkosz, 30, also died after losing a ski and crashing into a tree, suffering fatal head injuries despite wearing a helmet.

Before these incidents, Granite Peak’s last fatality occurred three years ago due to cardiac arrest, and prior to that, in 2009, 25-year-old snowboarder Kyle Suske died from blunt force trauma to the chest.

All recent deaths have been classified as accidental by the Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office, highlighting the inherent risks associated with high-speed winter sports.

Skiing Safety: A Sobering Reminder

Granite Peak, like many ski resorts, encourages safety protocols, including helmet use, staying in control, and skiing within one’s limits.

While accidents are rare, collisions with trees and obstacles remain a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities on the slopes.

Experts recommend always skiing with a buddy, knowing your skill level, and being aware of terrain and weather conditions.

What’s Next?

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh community is mourning Ally’s loss, with campus counseling services and sorority networks supporting students.

Granite Peak may review its safety measures following these back-to-back tragedies, potentially implementing stricter slope monitoring and awareness campaigns.

Families, friends, and visitors are reminded to exercise caution on the slopes to prevent further accidents.

Summary

Alexandra Blattner, a bright and compassionate 20-year-old college student, died instantly after a skiing accident at Granite Peak in Wisconsin.

Her death, the second at the resort within a month, has left her university, sorority, and local community reeling.

Remembered as a “shining light” and a leader on campus, Blattner’s legacy lives on through charitable donations, volunteering, and the countless lives she touched.

Granite Peak faces renewed scrutiny over ski safety, emphasizing the importance of caution and preparedness in high-speed winter sports.