Post Reports: Deep Reads Episode Summary
Title: A Beloved Skier, an Audacious Jump, and the Complex Grief Left Behind
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi
Reporter: Roman Stubbs
1. Introduction
In this poignant episode of Post Reports titled "Deep Reads: A Beloved Skier, an Audacious Jump, and the Complex Grief Left Behind," Roman Stubbs delves into the tragic story of Dallas LeBeau, a 21-year-old skier from Blackhawk, Colorado. This narrative explores Dallas's passion for skiing, the pressures of a social media-driven world, and the profound grief his family and community endured following his fatal accident.
2. Dallas LeBeau: The Passionate Skier
Dallas LeBeau was a determined and talented skier who poured his heart into the sport. Growing up in a log cabin near Eldora at nearly 9,000 feet, Dallas was immersed in skiing from a young age. Despite financial constraints, his parents, Valerie and Jason, supported his dreams as best they could.
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Early Ambitions:
"He would brag to all of them that he was born on October 17, the same day as Evel Knievel."
[02:35] -
Community Impact:
Bob Holm, a former Olympic ski jumper, described Dallas as a "fixture in the local scene," renowned for his daring backcountry jumps. His Instagram was a platform where he showcased his skills, often pushing the limits to gain respect and followers.
[10:15]
3. The Pressure of Social Media and the Quest for Recognition
Dallas's pursuit of recognition was heavily influenced by social media. He felt trapped in a relentless chase to prove himself both online and on the mountain, especially after stalling in the professional skiing tour and losing sponsorships.
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Desire for Validation:
"He felt desperate to win respect online and on the mountain."
[05:20] -
Struggles in the Professional Circuit:
Despite his efforts, Dallas struggled to gain points, being ranked 204th, which only fueled his determination to stand out.
[14:50] -
The GoPro Contest:
Viewing the GoPro Winter contest as a last chance to make an impact, Dallas saw it as an opportunity to earn significant rewards and visibility.
[16:45]
4. Planning the Fatal Jump
Dallas's decision to attempt the highway jump was a culmination of his desire for fame and validation. The jump over a three-lane highway on Berthoud Pass was both audacious and perilous.
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Parental Concerns:
On the night before the jump, during dinner, Valerie questioned Dallas's calculations:
"Have you done the math?"
[03:10] -
Dallas's Determination:
"If anything, I'm going to overshoot the landing. Maybe you should wait."
[03:25] -
Building the Ramp:
Dallas invested weeks preparing, modifying the jump to meet contest requirements, despite worsening snow conditions.
[18:30]
5. The Tragic Attempt
On April 9th, Dallas, accompanied by friends Eli Abendroth and Ziggy Avgin, executed the jump. Technical failures and icy conditions led to a catastrophic fall.
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Final Moments:
As Dallas took off, his left ski detached, compromising his trajectory:
"He lost speed as he launched into the double backflip."
[22:15] -
The Crash:
Dallas collided with the asphalt, resulting in multiple fatal injuries.
"He suffered blunt force trauma and was killed instantly on the fall."
[23:50]
6. Aftermath and Family Grief
The immediate aftermath was heart-wrenching as friends attempted CPR, but sadly, Dallas did not survive. His parents, Valerie and Jason, were left grappling with profound grief and unanswered questions.
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Parental Reflection:
Jason expressed regret and self-blame:
"I wish I was more of a father figure than his friend and had a bigger, larger talk of the scope of severity of death in consequence."
[24:40] -
Valerie's Struggle:
Valerie grappled with memories and the fear that social media pressures contributed to Dallas's sense of invincibility.
"People rarely saw the calculated nuances of the sport on Instagram and easily could take its risks for granted."
[25:50]
7. Community Response and Legacy
Dallas's death had a profound impact on the local and skiing community, leading to initiatives aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
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Establishing a Safety Class:
In honor of Dallas, Valerie and Jason collaborated with his friend Finn Mahoney's family to create a backcountry safety class, now known as "Dallas's Class." Bob Holm led the curriculum development, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and safety over social media fame.
[25:10] -
Changing Perspectives:
Kayla Riker, Dallas's former supervisor, noted the shifting mindset among young athletes:
"No social media clip was worth their life."
[25:30] -
Sophia Morris's Tribute:
Dallas's girlfriend, Sophia, moved to Montana to start anew, teaching lessons inspired by Dallas, ensuring his spirit lived on through the younger generation.
[25:55]
8. Final Reflections
The episode concludes with Valerie and Jason visiting the jump site, symbolizing their enduring love and the lingering presence of their son.
- Symbolic Visit:
"He could choose how she imagined it. She could see Dallas launching off the ramp, flying above the road, and maybe in another universe, landing on the other side."
[26:00]
Conclusion
This deeply moving episode of Post Reports not only recounts the tragic loss of Dallas LeBeau but also serves as a powerful commentary on the pressures faced by young athletes in the age of social media. It underscores the importance of community, support, and the need for safety education in adventure sports.
Notable Quotes:
- "I wish I was more of a father figure than his friend and had a bigger, larger talk of the scope of severity of death in consequence." – Jason LeBeau, [24:40]
- "No social media clip was worth their life." – Kayla Riker, [25:30]
- "People rarely saw the calculated nuances of the sport on Instagram and easily could take its risks for granted." – Valerie LeBeau, [25:50]
Produced by:
Roman Stubbs, Sports Enterprise Reporter
Audio Production: Bishop Sand