Wyoming man had problem with skis before fatal mountain fall

Rescue officials say a 26-year-old Wyoming man who died while skiing in Grand Teton National Park experienced problems with the binding on his skis before falling about 1,400 feet.

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports that John “Jack” Fields of Jackson died Feb. 15 after falling down a narrow, steep gully on the South Teton Mountain.

Jenny Lake District Ranger Scott Guenther said Thursday that Fields was skiing with three others down the mountain when the heel of one of his skis became unattached.

Guenther says Fields used a ski pole as he tried to scoot down to where the gully widened before his back tail “washed out” and he lost control.

Fields fell out of sight from the rest of the group.

The other skiers eventually made it down the mountain using a different route.

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Information from: Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com