Aspiring Firefighter Tragically Dies in Snowboarding Accident at California Ski Resort

Roman Lacayo, a 25-year-old aspiring firefighter, tragically lost his life following a snowboarding accident at the Kirkwood Mountain Resort in eastern California over the weekend.

According to the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, Lacayo suffered "major head injuries" while on the resort’s intermediate trail. He was attended to by the Kirkwood Ski Patrol and transported to the Barton Medical Clinic located at the base of the resort. Despite medical efforts, Lacayo was pronounced dead shortly before 1 p.m., roughly 40 minutes after authorities were first alerted to the incident.

Ricky Newberry, Kirkwood's vice president and general manager, expressed condolences in a statement, saying, "On behalf of the full team here at Kirkwood, we extend our deepest sympathy and support to the guest’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time."

Lacayo, who recently graduated from a Southern California fire academy, was on the cusp of fulfilling his dream of becoming a firefighter. Just two days before his untimely passing, he had submitted an application to join a fire department, according to his father, Nathan Clardy.

Clardy shared his heartbreak with KCRA-TV, stating, "It's heartbreaking because as a dad, I wasn't there with him. I know there's nothing I could have changed, but just not being there with him." He described his son as someone who "embodies what we call service above self," adding that Lacayo had a natural instinct to care for others even before pursuing a career in the fire service.

Amid the tragedy, Lacayo’s family is working on the difficult logistics of transporting his remains back to their home in Corona. Clardy admitted that the process has been a "logistical nightmare."

This devastating loss has left Lacayo’s loved ones mourning not only a son and friend but also a young man who was just steps away from realizing his dreams and serving his community.