Identity of man who died at Heavenly released

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The Santa Rosa, California man who died of blunt force trauma after going over a retaining wall and falling at Heavenly Mountain Resort on December 27, 2017 has been identified.

Lewis "Lucky" Carillo III, 49, died despite what many called "heroic" efforts to save his life by Heavenly ski patrol, Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel.

The rescue involved technical low angle rescue equipment and expertise to access and treat the patients. Although this was originally a solo ski accident, a second party was injured trying to assist in the rescue of Carrillo. The second patient was transported to Barton Memorial Hospital with moderate injuries, while Lewis Carrillo III was pronounced deceased after lengthy recitative measures by all on scene responders.

"Our condolences go out the family and friends of Mr. Carrillo," said LVFPD in a statement.

El Dorado County Sheriff Detective and Coroner Jake Groen told South Tahoe Now that Carillo's death was due to blunt force trauma, but it is unknown where the trauma came from. He said it could have been a tree, or other object he came into contact with as he tumbled approximately 30 feet down the side of the ski run.