Mepham senior killed in ski accident

A Mepham High School senior was killed in a ski accident at Windham Mountain in Greene County on Sunday. New York State Police identified the 18-year-old as Erin Clare Malloy-McArdle.

According to a press release from Windham Mountain, the accident occurred around 10:30 a.m. off the Upper Warpath trail, which is rated “more difficult.” The teen is reported to have been a novice skier who lost control and left the trail at a high speed. According to reports, the young woman, who was president of Mepham's Students Against Destructive Decisions club, crashed into a tree about 30 feet off the trail. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Malloy-McArdle was treated on the scene by two physicians and the mountain’s ski patrol. She was transferred by Greene County Ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson. State Police said that Malloy-McArdle died later of extensive head injuries.

“This is a tragic event,” said Windham Mountain General Manager Tim Woods in a written statement. “We grieve along with the young woman’s family.” This was the first ski-related fatality at Windham in more than 15 years. Details surrounding the accident are under investigation by the Windham Mountain Ski Patrol.

The Mepham High School community offered its condolences to Malloy-McArdle’s family and friends. “The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is devastated over the tragic loss of a Mepham High School senior,” read a statement from the district. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Grief counseling services will be available at Mepham on Tuesday when school reopens after the holiday. District officials are encouraging students and staff members in need of support to speak with crisis counselors at the school.

A wake will be held on Wednesday and Thursday at O'Reilly Funeral Home, 137-40 Brookville Blvd. in Rosedale. Hours both days will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Clare’s Roman Catholic Church, 13735 Brookville Blvd. in Rosedale.

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