August 10, 1983 - February 24, 2010
From what I've been able to piece together from friends and reports, CR was skiing at Squaw Valley on the Light Towers run, off the Headwall lift. Apparently, CR snagged a rock as he dropped in, went over the handlebars and struck a rock. Ski patrol instantly responded to the scene and tried to resuscitate him. Despite the fact that CR was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, his injuries were too severe and he passed away.
I've been trying to write about CR's death since I first learned of it Thursday. But every time I sit down to try and write something, I just end up staring at a blank screen. I'm overcome with sadness and grief as I try to choke back the tears. It's tough for me to make sense of this. Why did such an amazing person have to be taken away so early. Unfortunately, no amount of pondering this question is providing any answers though.
CR was an amazing person. He was always so stoked... on everything. He had such a positive outlook on life. Back in 2005, CR suffered a traumatic head injury in a ski crash. He was induced into a coma and spent over a month in the ICU. That crash nearly ended CR's days of skiing. But his strong will and love of skiing wouldn't allow that. He made a full comeback in less than two years time. But the accident had a tremendous impact on him and the way he chose to live his life. He was so thankful for everything that he had... his friends, his family, and the blessings that this life had given him.
As I proof read this post, I realize that I am not a writer. My words don't do CR justice. The impact that he had on my life and countless others just isn't conveyed in my words. If you'd like to read more details on CR, his career and his impact on the sport, I'd recommend checking out the articles by Jeff Schmuck of Newschoolers, Chris Jerard of Freeskier and Johny Stifter of Powder. These guys have a better way with words than I do.
But I wanted to make this post to try and contribute what I could... to pass along what I'm good at... photos. In this post, I'm attaching a handful of the images I got to create with CR during the 3 years I got to work with him. He was an insanely talented skier. He contributed so much to how park and pipe skiing are perceived today. His career, although all too short, was nothing short of miraculous.
I'm going to miss you buddy. You were an incredible person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
“Live your life, love your life. Don’t regret… Live, learn, and move forward positively.” -CR Johnson
Pictures speak a 1000 words!
ReplyDelete