After all, many ski areas had already closed for the season, and things have been winding down at those that remained open.
But, no: On Sunday, April 24, twenty-year-old Catherine Abeyta, known to those close to her as Catie, died after crashing into a tree at Breckenridge.
It's been a deadly April at Breck. New Jersey resident John Sherwood died there on April 4, and Frisco's David Carr passed away following an accident that took place just two days later, on April 6.
Abeyta attended George Washington High School in Denver, where she was on the track team and competed in the long jump. Here's a collage of Facebook images showing her in a GW letter jacket.
After graduating from high school, Abeyta enrolled at Colorado State University and joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
In May 2015, the Humans of CSU Facebook page spotlighted Abeyta in this photo....
...accompanied by the following quote: "I love the community here, and also Greek life and the social aspect that comes with it."
She visited Breckenridge on Sunday — and tragedy ensued.
According to the Summit Daily, Abeyta struck a tree while skiing on the Peak 7 Monte Cristo run.
The run is captured in the following video.
Abeyta was wearing a helmet, as is seen in the photo at the top of this post.
Nonetheless, the Summit County coroner reportedly determined that she suffered fatal blunt-force-trauma injuries as a result of the crash.
As word circulated on social media about what had happened, a large number of grief-stricken posts began appearing.
Here's the remembrance shared by Kappa Kappa Gamma....
Last night, the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma and the CSU Community gathered to celebrate the life of our friend and kappa sister, Catie Abeyta. Catie's infectious smile and vibrant personality brightened up the walls of kappa and touched the lives of each of our sisters. Epsilon Beta is overwhelmed and thankful for the love and support we have received during this difficult time. Catie, you are so incredibly loved and we will miss you forever. Heaven has truly gained the most beautiful angel. Rest peacefully in the valley of flowers, our sweet sweet sister....and here is a sampling of other tributes:
When I heard the news I was lost for words. When I think of you, I think of that big beautiful smile that you always wore. From day one, you were my good friend and I always had a great time when you were around. I have yet to meet another person like you and I have no doubt that you would have gone on to do great things.We add our sincere condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of Catie Abeyta.
I'm going to celebrate your life the way you would have wanted me to which is what I would have wanted you to do for me.
I will always look for your spirit when I'm skiing the slopes.
You will always be remembered.
Rest in peace, Catie.
(p.s. Say hey to James Dean, Elvis, and of course Marilyn Monroe — Only the good die young.)
The minute you joined Kappa, it was so easy to see what a positive and kind soul you were, you left an impact on everybody you knew. We all celebrate the beautiful life you lived and the difference you made in all of our lives. You are going to be so missed,
Raspy Voices forever ?? I may have only know you for a short time, but you were such an amazing person and I couldn't imagine never meeting you. You brightened a room the second you entered it and brought a smile to everyone's face. You were such a beautiful person inside and out and will forever be remembered as such. With all my love, rest in peace my friend. You will be so very missed by every life you touched.
Thank you for being such a light in my life, for teaching me to do what I love, and not to let the little things get me down; you have always radiated positive energy. Thank you for the week night meditation sessions, boy advice,and laughs. Your kindness has touched more people than you will ever know. Your raspy voice, goofy jokes, and badass-ness will not be forgotten. I already miss your positive vibes and energy. Rest in paradise sweet girl. I love you Catie.
The world lost the most kind-hearted, adventurous, ambitious and beautiful woman, way too soon. To our Kappa sister Catie Abeyta, you will always be remembered for the legacy you left on this house, the women in it, and every single person who had the pleasure of knowing you. You are so loved. Rest peacefully in the valley of flowers.
