Snowboarder's death ruled accidental

The death of a California man who died Monday at Schweitzer has been ruled an accident, according to Bonner County Coroner Robert Beers.

 Charles Fletcher Jr., 72, of Laguna Beach, Calif., died due to asphyxia after falling into a tree well at the Sandpoint area resort.

The man, whose name was not released by officials, was reported missing near the advanced Detention run, located in the Outback Bowl, the back side of the resort at about 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Schweitzer Ski Patrol immediately responded and located the missing Laguna Beach, Calif., man with the help of another guest skiing in the area, Taylor Prather, Schweitzer public information officer, told the Daily Bee.

Fletcher, who was unresponsive, was transported to the base of the resort where he was pronounced deceased by Beers.