Premier Christy Clark released the following statement on the passing of Sarah Burke:

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of freestyle skier Sarah Burke, of Whistler. Sarah was a shining light in both the British Columbia and world skiing community. Her passing in Utah hospital today, as the result of a training accident last week, is a devastating loss to her family and her sport.

"Sarah was a leader in her sport, both on the competitive hills and off. She was a tenacious advocate and lobbied successfully for the inclusion of women's freestyle skiing in the Olympics and was looking forward to competing in Sochi, Russia at the next Olympic Winter Games in 2014.

"Her gold medals at X Games and her ground-breaking skiing technique made her a star on the skiing circuit and an inspiration to other skiers. Her competitiveness and determination will long be remembered.

"On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend condolences to Sarah's family, to her colleagues and to all members of the ski community on the loss of a true star."

Contact:

Rebecca Scott
Deputy Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 589-9722