Two men die in separate incidents at premier Tahoe-area ski resort
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:41 pm
Two Deaths Reported at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Tragedy struck Heavenly Mountain Resort near Lake Tahoe on Friday, as authorities responded to two separate fatal incidents. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies were called to the Nevada-side resort at 11:55 a.m. following reports of two deaths.
The first victim, identified as 33-year-old Nicholas Jamil Haddad of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died after a serious incident on the mountain. The second victim, 57-year-old Brian Robert Fraud of Elk Grove, California, succumbed to a serious medical emergency while skiing.
Both men were transported to the base area by Heavenly Ski Patrol. Despite the efforts of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and paramedics, both individuals were pronounced dead. Authorities have confirmed that the incidents were unrelated and that the cause and manner of both deaths are currently under investigation.
Heavenly Vice President and General Manager Shaydar Edelmann expressed his appreciation for the work of the ski patrol team and first responders, offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass also offered condolences, noting the community's mourning and the recent succession of tragedies in the Lake Tahoe region.
These incidents follow other recent tragedies in the area, including the discovery of the body of 21-year-old Colin Kang, a missing San Jose State University graduate, and the deaths of nine backcountry skiers in an avalanche near Castle Peak.
BNN's Perspective: The recent string of fatalities in the Lake Tahoe region is deeply concerning. While the causes of these incidents vary, the frequency underscores the inherent risks associated with winter sports and the importance of safety precautions. It is crucial for skiers and snowboarders to be aware of the potential dangers, including medical emergencies, and to take necessary steps to mitigate risks, such as proper training, equipment checks, and awareness of weather conditions.
Keywords: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe, ski deaths, fatal accidents, Nicholas Jamil Haddad, Brian Robert Fraud, ski patrol, medical emergency, avalanche, Colin Kang, winter sports safety, South Lake Tahoe, Shaydar Edelmann, Cody Bass.