Coroner: Loveland ski patrol illegally moved man's body

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) — The Clear Creek County coroner says patrollers at Loveland Ski Area mishandled the body of a skier who died on the slopes last week.

The Summit Daily News reports 35-year-old Cole Barker, of Silver Plume, died Friday at the resort. Ski patrollers pronounced him dead and then shuttled his body down the hill and began cleaning up the scene before investigators arrived.

Colorado law prohibits moving a body from the scene of an accident without the authority of the coroner.

Coroner Chris Hegmann says the scene was mostly clear of evidence when his investigators arrived, and he will have to rely on photographs and information from snow patrol to aid his investigation.

Loveland officials say they are cooperating with authorities.