Colorado based extreme skier John Nicoletta lost control and died shortly after a fall after he jumped off a rock during the Subaru Freeking World Championships at Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood, Alaska on Friday.

He was 27.

Nicoletta, jumped off a rock called the Headwall but lost balance and cartwheeled for several hundred metres, losing his helmet during the fall with death caused by impact injuries during the fall, which was broadcast live on TV.

A helicopter ambulance was requested but was on another job at the time, however Nicoletta died at the scene in any case.

The World Championships were called off for the rest of Friday but resumed on Saturday after discussions with competitors.

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Extreme skier John Nicoletta died in jump off rock wall