WHISTLER, B.C. - Police in Whistler, B.C., say a 19-year-old man has died after he struck a rock during a skiing accident in a popular backcountry area.

They say the man was skiing on Phalanx Mountain Wednesday afternoon when he dropped off a "terrain feature" and hit the rock.

Police say the injured man was in distress, lost consciousness and stopped breathing before help could arrive.

Local search-and-rescue officials were called to the scene by the man's friends and tried to save the injured skier's life.

The skier was transported by helicopter to the Whistler Health Care Centre where police say he succumbed to his injuries despite the efforts of medical staff.

Police have not released the man's name but they say he suffered "blunt force chest trauma," and they and the coroners service are investigating the tragedy.

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