When Canada cried: The tragic death of Sarah Burke
Freestyle skiing trailblazer
Sarah Burke wasn't just a freestyle skier—she was the face of a movement. Four-time Winter X Games champion, she dominated the superpipe.
Olympic gold in her sights
Burke helped pioneer women's halfpipe skiing, lobbying for its addition to the Winter Olympics. Her influence led to the sport's official Olympic debut in 2014.
A hidden injury with devastating consequences
Although the fall looked minor, she suffered a torn vertebral artery. The resulting brain hemorrhage led to cardiac arrest on the slope and irreversible brain damage.
Fighting for life
Burke was airlifted to a Salt Lake City hospital and placed in a coma. Doctors performed surgery, but the swelling and oxygen deprivation had left little room for recovery.
A nation holds its breath
For nine days, fans and fellow athletes sent tributes, hoping against hope. News outlets across Canada delivered hourly updates, while vigils were held in ski towns and training centers.
Goodbye to a pioneer
On January 19, 2012, Sarah Burke died at age 29. Her organs were donated in accordance with her wishes, a final act of generosity from a woman who contributed so much to her sport.
Financial fallout from tragedy
Because her crash occurred in a non-competition setting, insurance did not cover medical costs. A public fundraising campaign raised over $300,000 to support her family and meet her hospital bills.
An Olympic legacy
Although she never competed in an Olympic halfpipe, Burke's lobbying had made the event possible. Canadian athletes duly credited her when the sport debuted at Sochi 2014, two years after her death.
