Local competitor dies in Sisu's Heikki Lunta ski race

By RICHARD JENKINS

rjenkins@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — The death of a competitor cast a cloud over the 10th annual Sisu Ski Fest this weekend, as Mike Fauerbach passed away on-course during the 15K Heikki Lunta cross country ski race Saturday.

“He died doing exactly what he wanted to do. He had skis on his feet and he was in the woods,” Fauerbach’s son, Rob, told the Daily Globe Sunday.

Other skiers found Fauerbach, 67, of Saxon, unresponsive one half-kilometer from the race’s starting line and stopped to help, according to Sisu Race Director Jackie Powers.

Trained volunteers and race officials immediately began CPR and used an AED before using a rescue sled to transport Fauerbach to a waiting ambulance.

Powers said this is the first time in race history there has been a medical incident of this gravity, but there didn’t appear to be anything that could have been done differently to prevent the tragedy.

She said the medically trained volunteers and ski patrol members at various aid stations usually are asked to treat injuries from falls, cases of mild hypothermia and provide basic first aid.

Fauerbach was a retired attorney and active in the community.

“The entire community will miss his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to public service. Our hearts go out to Mike’s family and friends,” Powers said. “We are deeply grateful to all those that stopped to help, to Eric Anderson at ABR, Melanie Fullman of the National Ski Patrol, Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department and Beacon Ambulance for their rescue efforts.”

Fauerbach also loved the outdoors, participating in various silent sports and serving as a board member for Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts, where he was working to help develop the non-motorized trail between Hurley and Montreal.