Bear Mountain Ski California

Natalie Altieri, a 21-year-old fashion design student at the University of Cincinnati, died from injuries suffered in a skiing accident at Bear Mountain ski resort Sunday in Southern California.

Altieri was skiing about 10:30 a.m. when she crashed into a metal stairway at the Big Bear Lake ski resort, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office via The Press-Enterprise. She was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at 11:24 a.m.

The exact cause of death will be determined by an autopsy, the coroner’s office said.

“Natalie was such an amazing person and sister, ” Audrey Alysse, Altieri’s sister. “Today I lost my best friend, and I cannot imagine my life without her. My family and I are heartbroken. We truly appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts.”

Altieri, a native of Jackson Township, Ohio, had been in California since August working with BCBG Max Azria Group as part of a student co-op program, reported.

“Our hearts are saddened as heaven gained a beautiful Kappa angel today, ” the sorority tweeted. “We love you always, rest in peace, Natalie.”

“Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Natalie Altieri, ” the Cincy Snowcats wrote on Facebook. “It is never easy to lose a member of the skiing community, but especially not one so close to home. A terrible reminder of the dangers of the sport that we all have such a passion for; this tragedy will not soon be forgotten. Rest easy, Natalie.”