C.R. JOHNSON DIES IN ACCIDENT AT SQUAW VALLEY
For Immediate Release
February 24, 2010
By John Stifter
SQUAW VALLEY, CALIFORNIA—Charles Russell Johnson III, 26, died earlier today while skiing at Squaw Valley, CA, on the Light Towers run off the Headwall lift.
According to eyewitness J.T. Holmes, who was riding on the Headwall lift and saw the accident, Johnson was skiing the steep run (according to Squaw Valley’s ski report, the mountain received 12-14 inches) comprised of tight chutes and countless exposed rocks. He lost control and struck a rock. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered immense trauma to his head and neck. Once at the top of the lift, Holmes notified the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol. They instantly skied to the scene and performed resuscitation to no avail.
“C.R. possessed a perspective for the mountains and the sport of skiing that transcended skiers all around the world to new heights,” says 4FRNT Skis’ Matt Sterbenz, who sponsored Johnson and assisted him in the design of C.R.’s pro model ski, the CRJ. Shortly after the accident, Sterbenz spoke to Johnson’s father, Russ, and Holmes. “His creative vision and positive personality brought the best out of anyone he ever met. He will remain a huge influence on my life and the many others that were fortunate to know him.”
An infectious skier and personality, Johnson filmed for ski industry leaders Teton Gravity Research and MSP Films before starting his own ski film production company with best friend and ski star Tanner Hall. The Truckee, CA, native and resident was a U.S. Open Big Air champion and two-time Winter X Games medalist (2001 Big Air bronze and 2002 Slopestyle silver).
In December 2005, Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury when another skier landed on him while skiing inbounds at Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. He was induced in a coma for 10 days during his 34-day stay at the University of Utah hospital before returning home to his parents’ house in the Tahoe area.
Recently, C.R. was taking online college classes in design while evolving his star-studded ski career. Appearing in Poor Boyz Productions 2009 release Everyday Is A Saturday and filming for Level 1 Productions during the 2009-10 winter, C.R. placed third at the Red Bull Linecatcher event—a big mountain freestyle contest—in Vars, France, on January 13, 2010, in a field of some of the world’s best skiers.
“C.R. was much more than an athlete to Smith Optics,” says Gabe Schroder, Ski Promotions Manager of Smith Optics—one of the lone companies to continue a sponsorship of C.R. after his injury in 2005. “He was a friend, a brother, and an amazing person that we all believed in. We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.”
C.R. Johnson is survived by his parents Lorraine and Russ and his older sister Kahlil. And the entire ski community.
The entire Powder staff sends our blessings and prayers to the entire Johnson family. C.R., you will be missed but never forgotten.
Reader Comments
 |
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 7:32 PM — By ed dujardin |
| This is awful. RIP CR. We'll miss you. |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 7:35 PM — By KPR |
| Injuries, coma, critics. Dude never quit. Inspiration to every skier on the hill. RIP. |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 7:55 PM — By KJR |
| 2 of the most innovative skiers have past away recently. My heart goes out to both of their families. Never stop doing what you love. |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 8:03 PM — By Allison |
| Love you C.R. it was rad hanging out with you @ GRO you were an amazing person... |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 8:13 PM — By jonny klemchuk |
| rip cr. you were an inspiration |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 8:19 PM — By Matt |
| RIP CR, cant believe this happened. |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 8:40 PM — By SquawARG |
| Was skiing the light towers and witnessed the crash. I opted for the banana chute and when making the traverse over to C II bowl heard rocks saw a crash. 2 buddies were quickly on site yelling for patrol someone called dispatch and along came patrol. I made one more run and called it a day. When i got home i told my roomate about seeing a real bad crash at squaw and then he just came down and told me that crash you saw was CR and he died. This has totally hit me pretty hard. My thoughts go out to his family who supports him so much! Tahoe Loves you CR! RIP |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 8:49 PM — By Connor McCarron |
| Oh my god i cant beleive this! rip cr, at least he died doing something he loved |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 8:49 PM — By Raf Selvas |
| CR...eventhough our friendship was brief.....i thank you for having my back and looking out for me.....thank you.....we will miss you but you will not be forgotten.....raf |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 9:02 PM — By Josh |
| such a positive attitude. he was an inspiration and will be missed. |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 9:09 PM — By Nick |
| rip this is terrible news, thanks for everything: the inspiration, the killer segments and the fearless attitude rip |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 9:17 PM — By Will stolk |
| RIP budddie, the one time i met you we blazed up in the trees abovve the whistler park with rick armstrong during WSI. you were such a chill dude, I always loved your skiing and your drive to come back after such horific injuries RIP may you shred pow pow in heaven with Shane , jesus, and the whole brat pack one love son .. one love |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 9:19 PM — By Karla |
| So Shocking and Sad....Its been a sad year for the skiing world! |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 9:32 PM — By Joe |
| so sad RIP CR |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 9:45 PM — By rider22 |
| CR was a great skier, one of the best. It's a shame to see him and other skier's this year pass away. Let this be a lesson to us all...even the best can make mistakes and the importance of safety can't be more evident than now. |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 10:27 PM — By John |
| R.I.P. CR. Gone but never forgotten |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 10:30 PM — By Global Playboy |
| Was skiing squaw today and heard the chopper and heard the bad news Praise God u were doing something u love RIP and enjoy the pillows in heaven! |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 11:10 PM — By sergio |
| Buen viaje CR... RIP |
|
|
|
| Posted Wed Feb24, 2010, 11:28 PM — By Kerianne |
| First Shane and now CR...you were an inspiration to all the young ones coming up the ranks with a heart as big as your airs...your spirit lives on in so many...RIP...at least you'll have a kindred spirit waiting at the gates for you bud...love and prayers to your family |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 12:21 AM — By Kyle |
| I cant believe it another revolutionary skiier gone, you will be missed, Next pow runs for you man R.I.P CR |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 12:35 AM — By aaronm-t |
| this is so sad, sad for his family and friends, sad for the sport to lose another icon, another leader of the charge. R.i.p cr, im sure he will keep riping somewhere. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 12:55 AM — By Zach |
| I remember when I first saw CR - was one of the first good jib segs in TGRs THE REALM. Always had huge respect for him cuz even though he was a jibber he could SKI. Guess that's what happens when you are raise by a patroller at Squaw. Just the other day I saw a kid in the park at Giants Ridge, MN totally go off spinning and flipping and said, "Holy cow, dude! I thought you were CR Johnson!!!" Guess his influence from those first few films are still burned in my brain. Gotta go through my stack of old POWDERs and reread one of my all time favorite pieces. It's a COOL WORLD about this guy telling the story about how he came back from the dead but while he was gone he went to the planet of eternal snows - where all skiers go when they die. Where you are on this planet with every snow condition you could ever want and the last run lasts forever. I read it afer Doug died and again when Shane left us. Hopefully CR is there. Ripping as always. Miss ya, CR! |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 12:53 AM — By Andy |
| CR said it himself in Seven Sunny Days that the joy he got from skiing was worth everything. Like Shane both men were lost doing the very things they loved, but through skiing these two men showed the entire world dreams can come true. Both men lived a life that probably everyone reading and commenting on this page wished they could have had including myself. They dedicated their lives to the progression of skiing because they loved it, and without them the sport would not be where it is today. Both Shane and CR's legacy will continue on into the future as their contributions to the sport will never be forgotten. My heart and my prayers go out to both families. Rest in peace Shane and CR you both will be missed. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 1:27 AM — By Chris |
| RIP. Yet another tradgedy for the ski world. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 1:48 AM — By Steve the Pirate |
| RIP. Really sad to hear this. CR you were awesome sticking with a sport that almost killed you once already, and then getting back into it despite what people said. Ski lots of pow in heaven |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 1:50 AM — By Steve the Pirate |
| RIP. Really sad to hear this. CR you were awesome sticking with a sport that almost killed you once already, and then getting back into it despite what people said. Ski lots of pow in heaven |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 1:52 AM — By Jason |
| RIP CR. http://www.CRtribute.com/ |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 2:38 AM — By Andy maetzold |
| I am so sorry to C.R family and friends. I hope it gives some comfort to his loved ones that he when out doing what he loved, and never held back... |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 8:41 AM — By Endre |
| Rest in peace, CR. You will be missed, but never forgotten, buddy. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 11:08 AM — By Dave |
| You will be missed!!!!!!!!!!!say hi to MC |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 12:21 PM — By Ben |
| No words. I road a chairlift with CR at Alta. Humble, great guy. to go through what he went through then to die doing what he still loved to do is tragic and inspiring. My prayers go out to his riends and family. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 1:04 PM — By JoseIgnacio |
| such a loss. we'll miss you so very much. great guy and skier. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 3:32 PM — By Ted |
| News like this is always catches you off guard. Thanks for doing what you did for skiing C.R. At least you went out doing what you love. RIP. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 4:39 PM — By jesset |
| My prayers go out to his family. CR was an inspiration to myself and my friends. Truly an amazing skier, and from the sound of it, an amazing person. Next turns are for you buddy! |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 10:36 PM — By MadTrix |
| I made a video game with this talented young man. He was a kind and good man. He had a hell of a ride, even in his short life. RIP CR -jim |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Feb25, 2010, 11:36 PM — By Pete Landry |
| Ride In Peace Charles Russell Johnson the ski comminty will miss you from Crested Butte Colorado |
|
|
|
| Posted Fri Feb26, 2010, 10:58 AM — By Karen Kellock Ph.D. |
| Like many supertalented geniuses, CR Johnson died early. I knew him well tho' I never met him. When once asked if he was "gay" he answered abruptly "Hell, NO!". He didn't chirp the tolerant party line but stood up for manhood, as learned from his father Russel. That's why--despite a traumatic brain injury--he had to resume skiing: because it gave him his "identity as a man". He loved skiing so much no one could dissuade him, for as he said after his first accident "skiing is worth dying for." He loved his friends, family and skiing--that's it, his whole focus. When last seen he spoke of "Cris"--Rasta for Jesus Christ. Thus, CR is in heaven! We should feel joy, for death opens up the heavens and CR's castle. He is skiing in the clouds in the arms of Jesus, for Rastafarians are Jamaican Christians. See you soon, CR! You focused, you won, you made excellent use of your time here, you were a brilliant comet and now you're with J |
|
|
|
| Posted Fri Feb26, 2010, 5:34 PM — By Johnny C |
| Your segment in Focused was the most epic ski film segment of all time. Can't believe this happened...RIP CR |
|
|
|
| Posted Fri Feb26, 2010, 8:03 PM — By Ryno |
| was at squaw on that day you will be missed |
|
|
|
| Posted Fri Feb26, 2010, 9:28 PM — By Dwight Witherington |
| Coming from one who's had a Traumatic Brain Injury from a snowboarding accident suffered in 2003, why did he ever go back? I also have had a Chronic Subderal Hematoma while snowboarding again in '05 back in Vail. I am healthy enough, ONLY BY GOD'S GRACE, to be able to write about this and warn others! Don't, don't, don't get back on skis or a board if you have ever had one of these! It's SOOO not worth dying, being a cripple, or not being here Neurologically. . . . |
|
|
|
| Posted Sun Feb28, 2010, 1:55 PM — By Ata |
| I'm so sad, just watch the part with C.R. in movie Seven Sunny Days, he said: "That's my life, the joy i get from skiing.... that's worth dying for" RIP C.R. JOHNSON |
|
|
|
| Posted Sun Feb28, 2010, 1:56 PM — By Ata |
| I'm so sad, just watch the part with C.R. in movie Seven Sunny Days, he said: "That's my life, the joy i get from skiing.... that's worth dying for" RIP C.R. JOHNSON |
|
|
|
| Posted Mon Mar 1, 2010, 6:01 AM — By EA |
| RIP Johson You were and still are a huge inspiration to all skiiers out there man, well never forget you |
|
|
|
| Posted Mon Mar 1, 2010, 1:39 PM — By Dana Flahr |
| CR you were a passionate individual who loved life and skiing as much as anyone in the world. You triumphed to the end, despite some obstacles that most people wouldn't come close to having the drive to overcome. Your spirit inspires us all. RIP. |
|
|
|
| Posted Tue Mar 2, 2010, 7:21 AM — By Ofond |
| RIP Cr, you were an inspiration for me and you will be missed. I'll never forget you. |
|
|
|
| Posted Thu Mar 4, 2010, 6:09 PM — By robb |
| goodbye my old friend, see you on the otherside |
|
|
|
| Posted Sun Mar 7, 2010, 2:59 PM — By AJ Cartmill |
| When I first heard the news another great X-skier had died, and that it was CR Johnson, tears came to my eyes. God takes the ones he loves the most....first. CR was and is truly loved by all of us that knew him or lived the dream through him. CR you will be missed. |
|
|
|
| Posted Sat Apr17, 2010, 6:55 PM — By Michelle |
| A day doesn't go by that I don't think about you and all you taught me. I was able to help you with your injuries, but were able to put a smile on my face every time I saw you. A smile that said so much. I hope to become closer to Jamie. She's amazing and she's doing a great job carrying on your soul. Miss you so much! |
|
|
|
| Posted Mon May17, 2010, 6:54 PM — By Jonathan R. |
| So sorry to hear about this. Loved watching CJ -- always went higher and further than anyone else. Condolences to his family and friends. He was doing what he loved and will always be remembered. |
|
+ Add Comment
