Skier William Ingrim in Coma After Devastating Slush Cup Crash
GIRDWOOD, Alaska — A terrifying accident at the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup at the Alyeska Resort has left 28-year-old skier William Ingrim in a medically-induced coma and facing paralysis after a horrific crash this past Saturday.
Video footage of the incident shows Ingrim skiing at high speed, launching off a jump, and nearly clearing the entire length of the pool before landing hard near the end. Emergency personnel rushed to his side immediately as he fell during the pond skim event, one of the most popular and dangerous components of the annual Alyeska Spring Carnival.
Ingrim’s mother, Robin Ingrim, shared with Alaska’s News Source that her son remains stable but on a ventilator due to difficulty breathing. He underwent urgent neck surgery to relieve pressure on his spinal column, a condition raising serious concerns about permanent paralysis.
“He’s on a ventilator because he started having difficulty breathing,” Robin said. “I’m very scared… Will is gonna get better, and I’m hoping he’s able to walk again someday.”
Robin explained her son’s upper-body paralysis is expected to improve once the spinal pressure is relieved, but doctors have told her that his legs will likely remain paralyzed. “They aren’t thinking he is going to get the use of his legs back,” she confirmed. The family is preparing for a second surgery to address injuries to his back.
Family Faces Emotional Crisis Amid Uncertainty
As the only son among seven siblings and a commercial fisherman turned ski coach, William is deeply loved by his family and community. Robin described him as “the nicest young man you know,” who teaches free-ride ski classes at Alyeska during the winter months.
The emotional toll on the family is significant, with Robin admitting her son is struggling with accepting the life-altering injuries. “He wants us to let him die, and I’m like, ‘I can’t do that,’” she said. “His life has changed, but so have ours.”
Alyeska Resort Responds, Emphasizes Safety Measures
Alyeska Resort released a statement through spokesperson Bayne Salmon, expressing their thoughts for Ingrim and his family during this difficult time.
“The Slush Cup is a longstanding event that is carefully planned with safety measures in place, including trained personnel and emergency response teams on site,” Salmon said. “Out of respect for the individual and their family, we will not be sharing additional personal details at this time.”
Officials declined to comment on prior incidents at the event and have not yet been in direct contact with the Ingrim family as of this report.
Why This Incident Matters Now
The Slush Cup, held annually at Alyeska, is known nationwide for its thrilling pond skim competition, drawing both recreational skiers and professionals who risk injury for excitement and competition. This crash spotlights the real dangers associated with extreme winter sports — even with safety protocols in place — and raises questions about the risks participants face.
For the wider U.S. audience and Delaware readers who follow extreme sport coverage or know loved ones participating in similar events, Ingrim’s injury is a sobering reminder of the unpredictability and potential severity of winter mountain sports injuries.
Next Steps and Ongoing Coverage
William Ingrim remains hospitalized under critical care as specialists continue to evaluate his recovery prospects. Further surgeries and rehabilitation plans are expected as doctors work to stabilize and treat his injuries.
The Delaware Herald will monitor developments and bring updates on Ingrim’s condition as new information becomes available. Our thoughts are with William, his family, and all impacted by this tragic event.
For anyone impacted by or interested in the safety standards for winter sports, this story underscores the need for ongoing evaluation of risk management in competitive skiing and extreme sporting events nationwide.
