English said it appeared that Bradeen may have fallen and was hit by a snowboarder as he attempted to get up.

Witnesses said an unidentified snowboarder at the scene told the others that he was going for help, and left the area. English said it was possible the snowboarder might have been scared off when he returned and found sheriff's deputies at the scene.

"At this point, we don't believe there was anything criminal," English said. "There are no known witnesses to the actual collision, but we are interested in obtaining a statement from the unidentified snowboarder that left the scene."

Bradeen suffered head injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the resort's medical clinic by an assistant Hood River County medical examiner, who happened to be skiing Friday. Bradeen was not wearing a helmet.

It was not known if Bradeen had gone to the mountain with family or friends, or was skiing alone.

Dave Riley, general manager for the resort, said two people died in skiing accidents during the 2005 season. None died last year, he said.

"Anytime something like this happens, it's a tragedy," Riley said. "Our hearts go out to the man's family."