File: Dr. Andrew Gagnon, a transplant surgeon at Intermountain Healthcare. Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
SOLITUDE, Utah — We’re learning that a doctor at Intermountain Healthcare, a transplant surgeon, died after falling off a cliff while skiing at Solitude yesterday.
“Our victim went off into an expert-only area, by himself, when an individual, who was on the ski lift, saw him fall off of a cliff,” said Unified Police Sergeant Melody Cutler. “It was a 100-foot fall. From there, ski patrol estimates he slid another 500 to 600 feet into some rocks and trees.”
Dr. Andrew Gagnon was pronounced dead when rescuers found him.
Gagnon was a transplant surgeon at Intermountain Healthcare. The hospital system released a statement about this death Friday afternoon:
All of us at Intermountain Healthcare and Canyon Surgical Associates are deeply saddened about the tragic passing of Andrew I. Gagnon, MD, following a ski-related accident on Thursday.
Dr. Gagnon was a wonderful transplant surgeon, outdoor enthusiast, and lived for his family, patients, and fellow caregivers.
Because of Dr. Gagnon’s surgical talents, he was instrumental in growing the Intermountain Healthcare Transplant Services program and in doing so saved hundreds of lives. Dr. Gagnon always said he loved living in Utah, loved what he was doing, and his patients often noted his kindness and compassion.
The Intermountain Healthcare transplant family and entire transplant community in Utah will miss Dr. Gagnon and will honor his wonderful and lasting legacy.
– Diane Alonso, MD, of Intermountain Healthcare Transplant Program
– Ivan Zendejas, MD, Canyon Surgical Associates Transplant Surgeon