The body of Dr. Keith Hardy, a physician and UW assistant professor who died skiing on Mount Baker, was recovered Thursday, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said.
Hardy, 34, was killed last Friday when he was skiing down the mountain with friends near the Coleman Glacier when he accidentally skied off a cliff on the northwest slope of the mountain and fell 800 feet.
His body was found near the 8,200-foot level, the sheriff's office said.
Hardy was a team physician for the University of Washington's men's lacrosse team since 2007; he completed his medical residency at the UW as well. He was also a medical director for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, according to the Northwest Spine & Sports Physicians.
He had been an assistant professor at UW since 2008, the Bellingham Herald said.
Rescuers were unable to reach his body until Thursday because of poor weather conditions at the 8,200-foot elevation of the location.“He was a very friendly, approachable guy and always had a really big smile,” head lacrosse coach Jack Cerchiara told The Daily, the UW student newspaper. “It’s a sad loss for the Seattle community and the UW Lacrosse family.”
Hardy was also the team doctor for the Sammamish High School football team and a family-practice doctor in Bellevue, The Daily said.
The UW lacrosse team released an official statement regarding Hardy’s death.
“Dr. Hardy has been a friend and a devoted team physician of the University of Washington Men’s Lacrosse program for over five-years,” the statement reads. “He was not only our team physician and ensured our players were safe and healthy, but also an inspiring individual for our developing student-athletes in his care. Dr. Hardy’s passing is a true loss to the UW Lacrosse family and the greater Seattle community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Hardy’s family and friends.”
