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WAYNE COUNTY

Grosse Pointe Park woman dies in Boyne sledding crash

Holly Fournier
The Detroit News

A 20-year-old Grosse Pointe Park resident died early Sunday while sledding after hours on a ski slope at Boyne Mountain Resort, according to the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office and resort officials.

Sally Anna Ottenhoff died after joining a group around 2:47 a.m. Sunday to sled near the resort's Civic Center, Sheriff Chuck Vondra said. She had been staying with friends and family at a nearby, privately-owned condominium on resort property.

"She and a group decided to go sledding down a ski hill that was closed," Vondra said. "She sled down approximately 30 yards before she either fell off or bailed off, and her momentum took her into the side of a building."

Ottenhoff had been drinking alcohol prior to falling or bailing from her saucer-style sled, Vondra said.

"She was transported to the bottom (of the hill) by her friends on a plastic table to a dock area (near the Civic Center)," the sheriff said. "The ambulance picked her up there and took her to McLaren (Northern Michigan) in Petoskey."

Ottenhoff died from her injuries.

"It's just terrible," Vondra said of the incident. "There's nothing good coming from this. It's too bad."

Resort president and general manager Ed Grice released a statement Monday acknowledging the accident.

“This is a terribly tragic event and our team is keeping this young woman, as well as her family and friends, in our hearts," Grice said. "Our security department received the call at 2:47 Sunday morning. 911 was also called and first responders arrived shortly after and rendered assistance until she was transported.

"Boyne Mountain Resort does not authorize the use of any form of sledding equipment on trails intended for skiing and snowboarding, at any time.”

hfournier@detroitnews.com

(313) 223-4616

@HollyPFournier