William Ingrim Faces Critical Condition After Harrowing Slush Cup Ski Crash
GIRDWOOD, Alaska — A young skier remains in a medically-induced coma following a terrifying crash during the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup pond skim event at Alyeska Resort’s Spring Carnival on Saturday. William Ingrim, 28, was critically injured after hitting a high-speed jump and landing hard near the end of the icy water pool.
Video from the event shows Ingrim soaring almost the full length of the pool before crashing, sparking an immediate emergency response from medical personnel stationed on site. His family has confirmed he is currently hospitalized, on a ventilator, and facing life-altering injuries.
Severe Neck Injury and Paralysis Fears
Ingrim’s mother, Robin Ingrim, told Alaska’s News Source on Sunday that doctors placed her son in an induced coma to manage swelling and reduce pressure on his spinal column after urgent neck surgery. Robin revealed she was informed that William “will probably” be paralyzed and faces paralysis in both upper and lower body quadrants.
“They aren’t thinking he is going to get the use of his legs back,” she stated, adding that once the pressure on his neck is relieved, some upper-body function may return. She described her son’s state as deeply distressing, with William reportedly expressing a desire to “let him die.” Robin maintains hope for recovery, saying, “By the grace of God, Will is gonna get better, and I’m hoping he’s able to walk again someday.”
Family Shares Personal Impact and Community Support
Ingrim, a commercial fisherman and ski coach during winter months at Alyeska, is one of seven siblings and his mother’s only son. Robin described William as “the nicest young man you know” and is grappling with the emotional toll of his sudden injury.
“He’s just a young man that thinks his life has come to an end, and he doesn’t realize that his life is not the only one that has changed,” she said, emphasizing the broader impact on their family.
In addition to his neck surgery, William is scheduled for a second operation on his back, according to Robin.
Alyeska Resort Addresses Incident; Safety Measures Highlighted
Alyeska Resort officials released a statement offering their thoughts to Ingrim and his family, reaffirming their commitment to participant safety. Bayne Salmon, Alyeska spokesperson, said the Slush Cup is a longstanding event “carefully planned with safety measures in place, including trained personnel and emergency response teams on site.”
“The safety of our guests and participants remains our highest priority. Out of respect for the individual and their family, we will not be sharing additional personal details at this time.”
As of Monday, no information was available about any prior major injuries during the Slush Cup event, which has become a popular and dramatic fixture of the resort’s spring festivities.
Why This Matters Now
This harrowing accident highlights the risks involved in high-adrenaline winter sports events and raises urgent questions about participant safety amid popular recreational competitions across the U.S.
For Montanans and outdoor sports enthusiasts nationwide, the incident serves as a sober reminder of the potential consequences in extreme sports—even for experienced skiers and coaches like Ingrim.
What to Watch Next
William Ingrim’s medical team is monitoring his condition closely and planning further surgery. His family continues to seek support and updates as they navigate this devastating crisis.
Follow Montana Insider for ongoing updates on this developing story and national winter sports safety coverage.
