A 71-year-old man reported missing Friday afternoon by his skiing partner and later found by rescue crews was pronounced dead at an area hospital, the Mt. Ashland Ski Area reported Saturday.

A search was initiated by the Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol and supported by members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search-and-Rescue unit. A helicopter was dispatched to aid in the search.

The unidentified man was found beyond the boundary ropes at the intersection of the trails Dream and Rodger's Way. He was unresponsive, and lifesaving efforts were initiated immediately.

Ski patrol and search and rescue personnel continued their efforts to help the man as he was transported by the search helicopter to the Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol room.

Ashland Fire and Rescue transported him by ambulance to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, where he was pronounced dead.

“Everyone at Mt. Ashland has been devastated by this tragic event,” said Hiram Towle, Mt. Ashland’s general manager. “We are reminded by this tragedy that the mountains we love and provide us so much joy come with inherent risks.

Towle expressed gratitude to staff, the ski patrol and Jackson County Search-and-Rescue personnel for their efforts to find the skier.

He also offered condolences to the man’s family and friends on behalf of “all of us here at the mountain.”