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A devastating accident claimed the life of a young college student at Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, earlier this month. The incident, which marks the second fatal occurrence at the resort in a short span of time, involved a 20-year-old named Alexandra “Ally” Blattner.
On February 5, Blattner, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, collided with a tree while skiing at Granite Peak Ski Resort. The local news outlet, The Wausonian, reported the tragic event. Authorities from the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office informed WLUK that she sustained a broken neck and likely succumbed to her injuries instantly at the scene.
Hailing from Neenah, Blattner was remembered in her obituary for her vibrant approach to life. It stated that she passed “in an instant and without pain” while partaking in one of her favorite activities. Her sudden departure on that Thursday evening has left a profound impact on those who knew her.
The community mourns the loss of a promising young life, as the details of this heartbreaking accident continue to unfold. It serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with such recreational activities, even for those who are experienced and cautious.
A 20-year-old college student suffered a fatal accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort on Feb. 5, 2026. (Ally Blattner/Instagram)
The school’s chancellor announced Blattner’s death to the campus the following day, People reported.Â
He added that he had gotten to know her shortly after she arrived last summer.
“Ally is something that I’ll also be living with for my entire life,” Manohar Singh told WLUK. “She and I connected very well when I was the new chancellor.”
Blattner was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. (Ally Blattner/Instagram)
According to her obituary, Blattner was studying pre-nursing and psychology. She served as a student government senator and was a chapter member of the Tri Sigma sorority, where she held the position of vice president of recruitment.
“Ally was a shining light in every room she entered. She loved to be with others,” her obituary read. “She wouldn’t walk away until you were smiling and laughing along with her. Although short, she lived her life with energy, meaning and enjoyment.”
“We are all so lucky to get to call Ally our sister. She not only made an impact in our lives but all across our campus community,” Tori Deptula, president of the school’s sorority chapter, said.
Blattner’s death marks the second fatal incident in less than a month at Granite Peak.
Ally Blattner tragically died in a skiing accident on Feb. 5, 2026. (Ally Blattner/Instagram)
On Jan. 11, 30-year-old Matthew Ciolkosz also crashed into a tree after losing a ski, according to local media WSAW. His head reportedly struck the tree, shattering his helmet. Despite lifesaving measures, he later died from his injuries.
The sheriff’s office told The Wausonian that both deaths were considered accidental.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and Granite Peak Ski Resort for more information.Â