A 24-year-old Marine died from injuries sustained in a skiing accident at a popular resort while returning home for the holidays to visit family.
Jesse Mello, from Grand Junction, Colorado, was skiing at Powderhorn Mountain on December 24th when he suffered a severe head injury and fractured bones on the resort's intermediate trail, The Colorado Sun. I lost it. reported.
The young Marine's father, Eric Mello, told the outlet that his daughter was skiing down the mountain wearing a helmet when she hit the ice and a witness saw her slide into a tree.
She was flown to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, about 40 miles from the ski area, and was admitted to the intensive care unit, where she fought for her life.
Melo died from his injuries in hospital on January 5th.
“Tonight, my baby girl rested peacefully in the arms of Jesus,” her father wrote in a Facebook post.
“Thank you for all the love and support…We love you all and she is at peace.”
Melo's funeral was held on January 10th at Messiah Lutheran Church.
The service was followed by Marine Corps Funeral HonorsThere, taps were played for a final salute to her service, and two Marines clad in blue folded the American flag draped over her casket and presented it to her father. did.
Her father said “more than 50 Marines from all over the world” showed up to the service to honor his daughter, according to the Colorado Sun.
Melo's family told the outlet that she grew up skiing at Powderhorn Mountain, but stopped skiing during high school and while serving in the Marine Corps.
Mello is remembered as “kind, loving and full of joy” who was not afraid to “put you on the spot with one look and cheer you up with a hug” for the Marines. An online memorial page has been set up and shared.
“Excellence was not a lofty goal for Jesse; it was the norm,” an online memorial page set up for the Marines shared.
“Jesse lived 24 years, longer than most people dream of in a lifetime. She traveled the world, was a multi-sport athlete, was a black belt, was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and met… She was a wonderful daughter, sister and friend to all.”
Mello is survived by his parents, Eric Mello and Jennifer Mello, and two brothers, Beau Mello and William Mello.
Her death was the first reported fatal ski incident for the 2024-25 ski season, according to reports. Colorado Sun.
At least 15 people died at ski resorts in Colorado during the 2023-34 season, six of them due to collisions with trees.
Powderhorn boasts “1,600 acres of diverse terrain,” and its mountains receive more than 250 inches of snow each year.
