A Williams College student has died after a skiing accident at Jiminy Peak | Going to pieces

HANCOCK – A 19-year-old Williams College student died Tuesday after a skiing accident at Jiminy Peak.

Alex Kemp of Lincroft, NJ, reportedly went over an embankment around 2:39 p.m. Monday on Cutter Trail and suffered “significant head trauma,” according to a news release from the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office. He had been wearing a helmet.

Cutter Trail is a black diamond track marked “most difficult” and for experienced skiers, according to a Jiminy Peak trail map.

“The Jiminy Peak Ski Patrol was immediately dispatched to the scene,” according to the release. “Northern Berkshire EMS arrived shortly thereafter to administer life-saving measures. The victim was transported to Berkshire Medical Center before being transferred to Baystate Medical Center for further treatment.”

The release said there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved.

The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, attached to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, is overseeing the investigation. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort has cooperated throughout the investigation, according to the release.

Kemp was a distance runner at Williams College cross country and men’s track and field teams. He was listed as a freshman graduating from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, NJ

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our entire Jiminy Peak family sends our thoughts and condolences to his family during this very difficult time,” a Jiminy Peak spokesperson said.

Williams College President Maud Mandel wrote an email to the school community on Wednesday informing the campus of the death. Expressing her deep sadness, she said Kemp had been recruited by cross country coach Dusty Lopez, citing Lopez in her announcement.

“Alex was fearless and incredibly motivated as a runner, both in training and competition,” Lopez said. “But even when he wasn’t having his own best day, he took genuine joy and pride in seeing his teammates do well.”

He placed first among all freshmen at the NCAA Championships.

In his college application, he said he hoped to complete a doctorate in computer science, Mandel wrote. But he also enjoyed courses in political science and economics.

Dukes Love, an economics professor at the college, called Kemp “one of the strongest students I have taught in 21 years at the college. … He had a quiet gift for the subject while at the same time always leaving the room for discussion: He might know the answer, but he wanted to make room to talk about it.”

Students were invited to Paresky 201 at any time to speak with staff on hand to offer support. Mandel said there would also be a public gathering to honor Kemp’s life.

This story may be updated.