Parents Say Mammoth Ski Resort Knew|Of Deadly Gases That Killed Skiers

LOS ANGELES (CN) - Parents of two skiers who died on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain two years ago have sued Mammoth for failing to heed U.S. Geological Survey and Cal-OSHA warnings about deadly gases from the dormant volcano on which the Ski Area sits. The families claim that government surveys told Mammoth that if skiers were exposed to the gases, they could be killed "within minutes."

Three skiers died on April 6, 2006. John Scott McAndrews and James Juarez, whose families sued in Superior Court, apparently worked at the ski area. The third, Walter Rosenthal, was a guest.

Deadly gases periodically escape from the volcano through geological vents, or fumaroles. The families say Mammoth refused to take precautions to ensure skier safety.

Named as defendants are Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Interwest, Starwood Capital Group, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Plaintiffs are represented by Christian Juarez.

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