The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hundreds of candles lit the base of Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs on Monday night as residents turned out to celebrate the life of Ashley Stamp, the 13-year-old ski racer killed Sunday in a tragic accident.

As the crowd left, children and adults were careful not to let their candles go out. Instead, they pushed the candles into the snow that surrounded a tall blue spruce tree, which will be planted at the ski hill in remembrance of Ashley.

Ashley, a star member of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, died Sunday morning in a skiing accident at Vail Ski Resort. She was taking a practice run down the Gold Peak Race Area, preparing for a race, when she collided with a snowmobile coming uphill.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at Steamboat Springs High School.

Ashley was the "tiger girl." She wore an orange helmet painted with a Bengal tiger, an inspiration from Olympic skier Picabo Street.

She was the type of skier who defined the sport, coaches said. She had a lot of skill as a racer, but she also worked very hard and maintained a great attitude.

She was the type of student who always said "hi" at the beginning of class and "goodbye" at the end, said Steamboat Springs Middle School teacher Wendy Hall.

She was an intense soccer player and was well liked by everyone, said Rick Garth, her soccer coach for the past four years. And, he said, she was a tremendous part of her family, just as her family was of top importance to her.

At the request of the Stamp family, Rob Ryg, pastor for Euzoa Bible Church, prayed during the candlelight vigil, asking that memories of Ashley continue on through the lives of those who knew her.

At the end of the vigil, the spruce tree was lit with white Christmas lights, and people placed photos, CDs, notes, stuffed animals and flowers on and around the tree.

"She was an absolute dominator on skis," said Jamie Gay, 13, who raced with Ashley.

Jamie roomed with Ashley on Saturday, the night before Ashley's accident. The girls tuned their skis in the hotel room.

Jamie held photos of herself with Ashley and other teammates that she planned to leave on the tree. One photo showed Ashley's big smile, the smile she gave to everyone.

"If you ever said, ‘Oh my gosh, I'll never be as good as you,' she'd argue with you," Jamie said.

The accident happened at a blind spot in the run, said Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Shawn Olmstead. The spot is an area where the run was level and then dropped off. Olmstead said the snowmobile driver -- Vail Ski Resort employee Mark Chard, 27 -- and Ashley may not have seen each other until it was too late.

The collision remains under investigation, Olmstead said.

Olmstead said witnesses have given conflicting reports about the accident, including whether the snowmobile had a siren and light on, and whether Ashley was wearing headphones.

Olmstead is seeking statements from anyone who witnessed the collision. Statements were collected at the scene by Vail Ski Resort employees, but Olmstead said he has not been granted access to those reports.

Many attending the vigil wore orange. Wal-Mart sold out of orange ribbon Sunday night.

Courtney Garth, 13, who played soccer with Ashley and said Ashley was her best friend, wore orange shoes in honor of Ashley.

"We all had special connections with her and special jokes," Courtney said. "She was definitely a great inspiration and leader."

If the soccer team was losing a game, Courtney said, "She was always there to say, ‘Never quit, let's just keep trying harder and have some fun and leave your heart on the field.'"

Lauren Letson, 15, said Ashley was always "really happy and upbeat and outgoing."

Charlotte Letson, 13, who raced with Ashley, said she remembered skiing with Ashley recently and looking down at the Yampa Valley from the top of Thunderhead. Ashley said how beautiful the view was.

"We'll miss her a lot," Charlotte Letson said. "She won't be forgotten."

"No, never," Lauren Letson said.

The Winter Sports Club will establish an annual Ashley Stamp Scholarship Award to present to a female Alpine racer who demonstrates the qualities that were important to Ashley. Those qualities were an "incredible attitude," "fiery competitiveness" and staying true to the spirit of the sport, club members said.

Anyone interested in contributing to the fund can call Sarah Floyd, Winter Sports Club athletics director, at 879-0695.

The Stamp family has established a memorial fund in Ashley's name and is asking that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the fund. Donations can be sent to The Ashley Stamp Memorial Fund, Wells Fargo Bank of Steamboat Springs, PO Box 774888, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477.

-- To reach Susan Cunningham, call 871-4203 or e-mail sbacon@steamboatpilot.com