Young skier critically injured on Mt. Brighton by the snow grooming machine

A 12 year old Canadian school student injured Wednesday at Mt. Brighton by a snow grooming machine. Austin Miles continues to make progress as he recovers at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said initial investigations showed 12 year old Austin Miles was run over by a snow grooming machine Wednesday afternoon when he lost control and fell in front of the machine. However an investigation into the matter is ongoing. It took more than an hour to extricate him from the device. He was originally listed in critical condition and then was upgraded yesterday to serious after officials said he was off of a ventilator and that it looked like they could save his leg, which had been severely damaged in the incident. Authorities have upgraded Miles to fair condition. So my question to you is: Should snow grooming machines be allowed to operate when skiers are present?

Reprinted in part from WHMI, Livingston Counties Radio Station.