UPDATED: North Bellmore Teen Killed in Skiing Accident

North Bellmore resident Erin Clare Malloy-McArdle was killed Sunday in an off-trail accident at Windham Mountain.

The 18-year-old Mepham High School senior was treated at the scene by two physicians and members of the Windham Mountain Ski Patrol before she was rushed by Greene County Ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, where she was later pronounced dead.

According to state police, Malloy-McArdle was a novice skier, who lost control while skiing and left the trail at a high speed into a wooded area where she struck a tree. However, according to close friends, McArdle was not a novice skier and simply lost control on the trail.

She had not been wearing a helmet and sustained extensive head injuries as a result of hitting the tree.

The accident occurred off of the Upper Warpath trail, which is rated “more difficult.” Snow conditions at the time were reported to be packed powder/powder and machine groomed.

“This is a tragic event,” Windham Mountain general manager Tim Woods said. “We grieve along with the young woman’s family.”

The last ski-related fatality at Windham Mountain occurred more than 15 years ago.

Members of the Windham Mountain Ski Patrol are investigating the accident.

The loss of McArdle has not been easy. Mepham Principal Michael Harrington issued the following statement Monday: "I am saddened to inform you that we learned late last evening that one of our 12th grade students, Erin McArdle lost her life in a tragic ski accident. This is a most difficult time for us as a school and community. We have designed a support plan to help students who are emotionally affected by this loss. In difficult times like these, we also look to work with our parent body in helping our children manage such a tragedy. With today's incredibly fast and broad modes of communication, I am confident that most of you are already aware of this event. We hope that you can find some time to discuss the tragedy with your child. Further, if you believe that your child is in need of guidance support, please let us know. You can respond to this email or call your child's guidance counselor or any one of our administrators."

Harrington sent out a second e-mail to parents and students on Tuesday, the first day of class after the tragic loss: "I want you to know that we have had an expectedly difficult morning so far, but I believe that the students and the faculty have supported each other, as we move through the grieving process. Our counseling center has been busy, but has served as a calm place for students to gather. We will continue to assist our students and staff as we move through the healing process. Please keep the family and friends of Erin McArdle in your thoughts and prayers."