Charles Russel Johnson III ... true lion and ski legend

Yesterday a legend Cr johnson past away in a ski accident

I met CR this year in France and was really impressed how humble, happy and stoked he was to ski. It meant everything to him and there is nothing in the world he regreted. I will be skiing in future under influence and legacy of CR. Ski in peace LION!

According to eyewitness J.T. Holmes, who was riding on the Headwall lift and saw the accident, Johnson was skiing the steep run (according to Squaw Valley’s ski report, the mountain received 12-14 inches) comprised of tight chutes and countless exposed rocks. He lost control, struck a rock and immediately appeared lifeless. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered immense trauma to his head and neck. Once at the top of the lift, Holmes notified the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol. They instantly skied to the scene and performed resuscitation to no avail.

“C.R. possessed a perspective for the mountains and the sport of skiing that transcended skiers all around the world to new heights,” says 4FRNT Skis’ Matt Sterbenz, who sponsored Johnson and assisted him in the design of C.R.’s pro model ski, the CRJ. Shortly after the accident, Sterbenz spoke to Johnson’s father, Russ, and Holmes. “His creative vision and positive personality brought the best out of anyone he ever met. He will remain a huge influence on my life and the many others that were fortunate to know him.”

An infectious skier and personality, Johnson filmed for ski industry leaders Teton Gravity Research and MSP Films before starting his own ski film production company with best friend and ski star Tanner Hall. The Truckee, CA, native and resident was a U.S. Open Big Air champion and two-time Winter X Games medalist (2001 Big Air bronze and 2002 Slopestyle silver).

Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury in December 2005 when another skier landed on him while skiing inbounds at Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. He was induced in a coma for 10 days during his 34-day stay at the University of Utah hospital before returning home to his parents’ house in the Tahoe area.