The veteran snowmaker died when a snowcat rolled over.
Monday, December 18, 2017, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The Burke community is in a state of mourning today, as a long time employee was killed in a tragic snowcat accident Sunday night.
According to the Vermont State Police, Denny Degreenia was operating a 1986 LMC 1500 snowcat when it rolled over just before 6 PM on Sunday night. Degreenia, 45, was ejected from the snowcat and died on the scene, despite CPR efforts. Passenger Clifford Savage, 27, was also injured in the accident, but survived. Neither of the snowmakers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. According to WCAX, the accident happened during a snowmaking shift on the Big Dipper trail.
A statement was issued by Burke today:
"To our Burke Family, we wanted to let you know that we lost a beloved staff member last night. Denny Degreenia, a long time Burke employee and snowmaker, was involved in an accident on the mountain and suffered injuries that resulted in his passing. Everyone here at Burke extends Denny’s family our sincerest condolences and strength to help work through this extraordinarily difficult period. He will be missed dearly."
Three New England ski area employees were killed in accidents during the 2017-18 season.
