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Caleb Moore Passes Away After Horrific Snowmobile Accident

by Claire Brandon
by Jordan Sherman
by Josh Moser

Story Created: Jan 31, 2013 at 1:14 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 2, 2013 at 12:58 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Snowmobiler Caleb Moore, 25, died early Friday morning as a result of critical injuries he sustained last week at the Winter X-Games, now confirmed by Pitkin County Deputy Coroner Eric Hansen.

Several national media outlets reported Moore's death Thursday, citing a statement released by the snowmobile racer's publicist.

However, according to a member of the Pitkin County Coroner's Office - that wasn't the case.

Hansen insisted Moore was still on life support in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Many of you have questioned why NewsChannel 5 didn't also report Moore as deceased Thursday, and wondered why the Pitkin County Coroner's statement mattered.

To clarify: Caleb Moore sustained his initial injuries in Aspen, which means the Pitkin County Coroner has jurisdiction. We would not report anyone deceased until the coroner can confirm it.

Nonetheless, coroner's officials are now confirming that he has passed.

A statement released by the family's publicist reads, in part:

"He will be truly missed and never forgotten. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all the prayers and support they have received from all the fans, friends and family around the world that Caleb has inspired."

Members of the sports world are reacting on Twitter to the reports of Moore's passing.

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow wrote: "So sad to hear about the passing of snowmobiler Caleb Moore. My prayers go out to his younger brother Colten & their entire family."

Freestyle skier Kaya Turski wrote: "The spirit of Caleb Moore will be floating among us forever. RIP."

Surfer Kelly Slater tweeted: "Tragic. Don't even know what to say."

Again, the Deputy Coroner of Pitkin County has now confirmed that Caleb Moore was pronounced dead late Thursday night or early Friday morning.

It's the first fatality in the 17-year history of the X Games.

To donate money to Moore's family to cover medical expenses, visit www.giveforward.com/calebmoore

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Claire said on Friday, Feb 1 at 4:58 PM

Thank you all for the notes. As a professional journalist, I'm ethically responsible to be accurate. Deaths are confirmed with the county coroner, which Eric Hansen did not do until this morning. Also, please keep in mind that a death certificate is public record. -Claire Brandon

Claire said on Friday, Feb 1 at 4:45 PM

Mike, Because the accident happened in Aspen, the Pitkin County coroner's office is in charge of reporting and confirming Caleb Moore's death. As of last night, the coroner would not confirm a death and insisted that Caleb was still alive. I did speak to the Mesa County coroner as well, who could not comment on the matter because Pitkin County was in charge. Eric Hansen, Pitkin County Deputy Coroner pronounced Caleb Moore dead early this morning. I was not twisting anything for a story, but it is my job to report the truth. I cannot and will not report a person's death if the coroner insists that the person is alive. As a station, we were merely waiting for official confirmation before announcing anything of that magnitude. Thank you for the note. Please email me cbrandon@krextv.com if you would like to discuss this further.

Ashley said on Friday, Feb 1 at 10:59 AM

You are SICK... His family already has his funeral planned, what more proof is there that Caleb is gone? Let him rest in peace and his family grieve with respect without having to read poor, poor reporting such as this. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Mike E said on Friday, Feb 1 at 10:14 AM

I would like to know if KREX will admit that they were kicked off the St.Marys property earlier in the day & then do a live broadcast from there at 10 p.m.? Really?? I personally grew up in the valley & it just seems like KREX has always been the little news channel that just couldn't ever get a story correct even after they go to xtrems , including this one. The other TWO local sources KJCT & Channel 11 did get right without being a disruption. Lets all hold the Moore family & their friends in our prayers today.

Justin said on Friday, Feb 1 at 9:19 AM

whoops, "their"...I hate when people do that...now I'm "one of those guys" lol

Justin said on Friday, Feb 1 at 9:18 AM

whoops "their"...I hate when people do that...now I'm "one of those guys" lol

Justin said on Friday, Feb 1 at 9:16 AM

It's a shame that some people have to have something to argue or get mad about, rather than be hopeful that maybe he will live. I agree that this is definitely hard for everyone and having a conflicting story offers no resolution, but I trust a local source much more than a national one. Obviously, the family could've released the statement that he passed away after deciding to take him off of life support, which is totally their decision and ultimately ends with the same conclusion. I also think that this should be a priority for KREX to find out exactly what is going on, but I am not going to quit watching because of this (though maybe because of Norah O'Donnel on CBS This Morning lol). l appreciate that they are not leaving anything out of this report. Sorry this is jumpy, but all in all, I would definitely like to see this resolved ASAP and think that this should be a #1 priority, but I also appreciate that KREX is taking into account all sources in there report. That is real news.

Mike E said on Friday, Feb 1 at 7:33 AM

Claire, first I would like to know why you would be talking with the Pitkin county coroner & not the mesa county coroner? Secondly , there are MANY factors that need to be considered when someone is pronounced dead other than just a pulse! Until you understand more of the medical world you really don't need to be trying to make a story where there isn't one!! Lastly , I am not a Moore family member nor friend , but just a local that knows more about this sad accident than you do & i'm not even a reporter....... but maybe I should pick up an application at one of the other two local news teams where they have respect for people & don't try to twist things just to make a story!!!!! You have definitely lost a household of viewers with us from now on! Sincerely, former viewer Mike E

Claire said on Friday, Feb 1 at 3:33 AM

Hi Jason. We are simply giving you all the information we know--From the family as well as the coroner's office. We cannot report someone's death when they still have a pulse, and the coroner is insisting that those reports are premature and that Caleb Moore is still a patient at St. Mary's. Remember the false reporting of Gabrielle Giffords? Don't believe everything you see on national TV. If you would like to discuss this further, please email me at cbrandon@krextv.com. Thanks for tuning in. -Claire Brandon

Jason D. said on Friday, Feb 1 at 1:01 AM

Why are you still reporting he is alive at 10pm on Thursday?. He died in the morning. You guys are wrong

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