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Former ABC correspondent dies in ski accident at Keystone

The Associated Press
Aspen, CO Colorado
** EDS NOTE: BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE ** In this undated image from video and provided by ABC News, John McWethy is seen. McWethy, 61, a former ABC News correspondent died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, after a skiing accident at the Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado. (AP Photo/ABC News via KMGH) ** MANDATORY CREDIT, NO SALES **
AP | ABC News via KMGH

KEYSTONE, Colo. ” Retired ABC News correspondent John McWethy died Wednesday after crashing into a tree while skiing at the Keystone resort, the Summit County coroner said.

Witnesses said McWethy, 61, was skiing fast on an intermediate trail when he missed a turn and slid chest-first into the tree shortly after 10 a.m., Coroner Joanne L. Richardson said.

She said he died of blunt force chest injuries.



He was pronounced dead at Summit Medical Center at about 2 p.m.

McWethy and his wife, Laurie, moved to Boulder after he retired to be closer to ski slopes and golf courses, ABC News President David Westin said in a written release.




Before then, he had been ABC News’ chief national security correspondent.

He had to evacuate the Pentagon after a hijacked plane crashed into the building in the 2001 terrorist attacks, but he continued reporting live from a nearby lawn, Westin recalled.

“He was one of those very rare reporters who knew his beat better than anyone, and had developed more sources than anyone, and yet, kept his objectivity,” Westin said.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, DePauw University, and had a master’s degree from Columbia University’s journalism school.

McWethy was at least the seventh skier or snowboarder to die in Colorado this season. Two other snowboarders have been missing since Jan. 5 and are feared dead.

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