A tragic ski accident claimed the life of a 20-year-old college student at Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, earlier this month, marking the second fatality at the resort in recent weeks.
Alexandra “Ally” Blattner reportedly lost her life after colliding with a tree on February 5 at Granite Peak Ski Resort, as reported by The Wausonian. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WLUK that she was found deceased at the scene, having suffered a broken neck.
Blattner, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and a resident of Neenah, passed away instantly and without suffering, according to her obituary.
“Alexandra Jean Blattner died unexpectedly while embracing life to the fullest during a skiing accident on Thursday evening, February 5, 2026,” reads her obituary.
The tragic news was shared with the university community by the school’s chancellor the following day, as reported by People.
The school’s chancellor announced Blattner’s death to the campus the following day, People reported.
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 said. “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 died in a skiing accident 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 outlet 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 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.
