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College student dies in tragic ski accident at Wisconsin resort, marking second death within a month
By Bonny Chu
Published February 19, 2026
A 20-year-old college student died in an apparent ski accident in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, earlier this month, the second fatal incident reported at the resort in a matter of weeks.
Alexandra "Ally" Blattner reportedly crashed into a tree at Granite Peak Ski Resort Feb. 5, according to local outlet The Wausonian. She was found dead with a broken neck, the Marathon County Sheriff's Office told WLUK.
Blattner, a Neenah resident and sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, died "in an instant and without pain," according to her obituary.
"While enjoying life as she did best, Alexandra Jean Blattner unexpectedly died after a skiing accident on Thursday evening, February 5th, 2026," her obituary said.
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A 20-year-old college student died in an accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort Feb. 5, 2026. (Ally Blattner/Instagram)
The school's chancellor announced Blattner’s death to the campus the following day, People reported.
He added that he had gotten to know her shortly after she arrived last summer.
"Ally is something that I’ll also be living with for my entire life," Manohar Singh told WLUK. "She and I connected very well when I was the new chancellor."
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Blattner was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. (Ally Blattner/Instagram)
According to her obituary, Blattner was studying pre-nursing and psychology. She served as a student government senator and was a chapter member of the Tri Sigma sorority, where she held the position of vice president of recruitment.
"Ally was a shining light in every room she entered. She loved to be with others," her obituary said. "She wouldn’t walk away until you were smiling and laughing along with her. Although short, she lived her life with energy, meaning and enjoyment."
"We are all so lucky to get to call Ally our sister. She not only made an impact in our lives but all across our campus community," Tori Deptula, president of the school’s sorority chapter, said.
Blattner’s death marks the second fatal incident in less than a month at Granite Peak.
Ally Blattner died in a skiing accident Feb. 5, 2026. (Ally Blattner/Instagram)
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On Jan. 11, 30-year-old Matthew Ciolkosz also crashed into a tree after losing a ski, according to local media outlet WSAW.
His head reportedly struck the tree, shattering his helmet. Despite lifesaving measures, he later died from his injuries.
The sheriff's office told The Wausonian both deaths were considered accidental.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office and Granite Peak Ski Resort for more information.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/college-student-dies-tragic-ski-accident-wisconsin-resort-marking-second-death-month