Two members of the ski patrol investigate the top of the avalanche zone on Jan. 17, 2020, at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. The avalanche killed one man and injured another, who just filed suit against the resort.
Jason Pierce/APA popular Tahoe ski resort has been sued by a man involved in a fatal avalanche last year.
Kaley Bloom was skiing with his friend Cole Comstock on the morning of Jan. 17, 2020 at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. According to the suit, the pair were on an open, in-bound ski run near Scott Chute when an avalanche tore through the area. Bloom "watched as his friend Cole got caught up and overtaken," the complaint, filed in Placer County Superior Court, claims.
Comstock, 34, died of his injuries. A Plumas News story published shortly after his death says he suffered head trauma after hitting a tree. Comstock's wife, Caitlin, said Bloom had injuries to his lower body. The suit alleges Bloom now has "severe and permanent lower-body injuries."
"He had hit a tree, just like Cole," Caitlin Comstock told the Plumas News. "But the snow kept moving over the top of him and kept his face clear."
Bloom's lawsuit alleges Alpine Meadows "was in a rush to open the ski runs on January 17, 2020, because it was a holiday weekend with new and fresh snow" and that they did not take sufficient precautionary measures to prevent an avalanche.
A Tahoe Daily Tribune story published the day after the fatal avalanche says a reported 25 inches of fresh snow fell in the region the night before, and the Sierra Avalanche Center had forecast "considerable avalanche danger for all elevations in its daily report Friday morning."
In a statement issued to the Tribune by Alpine Meadows at the time, the resort said, "The entire Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows team, including all of the first responders, extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. We are working closely with the families of all the affected individuals to ensure their continued care."
Bloom is seeking unspecified damages of over $25,000 for alleged negligence, gross negligence and breach of contract by Alpine Meadows. He is asking for a jury trial.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 1.
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