
A tragic skiing accident at Powderhorn Mountain in Colorado claimed the life of US Marine Sergeant Jessie Mello, a 24-year-old servicewoman visiting family for the holidays.
At a Glance
- Marine Sergeant Jessie Mello died after a skiing accident on December 24
- She hit a patch of ice and collided with a tree, suffering severe head trauma
- Mello passed away on January 5 despite intensive medical care
- Over 50 Marines attended her funeral to pay respects
- She was remembered as kind, loving, and full of joy
Tragic Accident Claims Marine’s Life
On December 24, US Marine Sergeant Jessie Mello’s holiday visit with family took a devastating turn. While skiing on an intermediate trail at Powderhorn Mountain in Colorado, Mello encountered a patch of ice, leading to a catastrophic collision with a tree. Despite wearing a helmet, the 24-year-old suffered severe head trauma and multiple broken bones.
Emergency responders quickly airlifted Mello to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, where she was immediately placed in intensive care. For nearly two weeks, medical staff fought to save her life, but the injuries proved too severe. On January 5, Mello succumbed to her head injuries, marking the first reported ski area fatality of the 2024-25 season in Colorado.
Jessie Mello’s father, Eric Mello, announced her passing on Facebook, sharing the heartbreaking news with friends and family. “My baby girl went peacefully into Jesus’s arms tonight,” Eric Mello said. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support during their difficult time, stating, “Thank you all for the love and support through all of this… We love you all and she is at peace.”
“She made you want to be the best you could be, no matter what. Her mere presence brought people together and allowed others to find the strengths that made them unique. She would celebrate your victories and weed out your failures,” her family said.
Mello’s life was one of extraordinary achievement. A multisport athlete and black belt, she exemplified excellence in both her personal pursuits and her service as a Marine Corps Sergeant. Her family aptly noted, “Excellence was not a lofty goal for Jessie; it was the standard.”
Honoring a Fallen Marine
On January 10, a funeral service was held at Messiah Lutheran Church to honor Sergeant Mello’s life and service. The ceremony was followed by Marine Corps Funeral Honors, befitting her dedication to country and Corps. Eric Mello noted that “more than 50 Marines from all over the world” attended the service, a testament to the impact Jessie had on her fellow service members and the respect she commanded.
Jessie Mello is survived by her parents, Eric and Jennifer Mello, and two brothers, Bo and William Mello. Her legacy as a Marine, athlete, and beacon of inspiration lives on through the memories of those who knew her and the lives she touched.
Mello’s tragic accident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Colorado’s ski industry. During the previous ski season, at least 15 people lost their lives on Colorado slopes, with six fatalities involving tree collisions.