Perisher Valley (NSW), Australia – A prominent former Australian television and newspaper reporter was killed Sunday when he collided with a tree while skiing at Perisher.nMichael Meagher, 55, of Sydney, was skiing in the Guthega area of Perisher Ski Area when he took a shortcut through the trees off the Wombat’s Lament ski run, an intermediate trail, at around 10 a.m. Sunday morning when he collided with a tree, according to those who witnessed the incident. He was not wearing a helmet.

Perisher Ski Patrol, NSW Ambulance and Perisher Medical Centre staff promptly attended to the scene, where Meagher was pronounced dead of massive head injuries.

Meagher was a senior member of corporate communications firm CPR, and was previously employed as a journalist with The Australian, The Bulletin and on television at the Nine Network. He had a senior role in media and communications with the Australian Olympic Commission during the 2000 Olympic Summer Games in Sydney, and also served as an associate editor at BRW Magazine.

“Everyone at Perisher is so deeply saddened by this horrible accident and we extend our sincere condolences to family and friends,” said Perisher’s CEO, Peter Brulisauer. “Over 10,000 visitors were enjoying Perisher today under a brilliant blue sky. Skiing together as a family in such great weather is a truly wonderful activity, but in this instance it has unfortunately ended so tragically.”

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.