Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke dies at 29
Sarah Burke of Canada wins the women's Half Pipe during the Freestyle World Ski Championships in Kuusamo, Finland, March 17, 2005. Reuters

Freestyle skier Sarah Burke died Thursday from injuries she sustained in a skiing accident in Utah nine days ago. The Canadian Olympic Committee is mourning the loss of the freeskiing pro who led the effort to add the sport to the Olympics.

Burke, 29, hit her head while practicing for the X Games on a halfpipe in Utah. She had won the competition four times. Doctors say she suffered cardiac arrest and irreversable brain damage due to lack of oxygen and blood. She had been in a coma since the Jan. 10 accident.

Today, Canada and the world lost a wonderful athlete and a great Canadian ambassador in freestyle skier Sarah Burke, the Canadian Olympic Committee said in a statement. Sarah was a true inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her, especially to the new generation of athletes in this country as she helped define the superpipe discipline in the sport of freestyle skiing. Her fans from Canada and around the world looked up to her and all she has accomplished as a true leader. This true champion will be missed but never forgotten.

On behalf of everyone at the Canadian Olympic Committee, I wish to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sarah Burke. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

Also Read: Sarah Burke Dead: 6 Other Athletes Who Died in Tragic Sports Accidents [PHOTOS]

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