Former Bellevue Doctor Who Died on Mount Baker was Experienced Skiier

A source close to the family of Keith Hardy, the former Bellevue doctor killed in a skiing accident on Mount Baker Friday, told Patch that Hardy was an experienced skiier and climber who took necessary safety precautions during his adventures outdoors.

Hardy, a physician at Kirkland's Evergreen Sport and and Spine Center, . Some media reports have said that he skied off the headwall, but according to the family, members of the party say he had fallen while skiing above the headwall and could not arrest his slide.

Hardy was a Kirkland physician who practiced at .

Hardy, 34, had reportedly just climbed to the top of 10,781-foot Mount Baker and was skiing down the mountain when he fell around the 9,000-foot level.

Hardy was an EvergreenHealth physiatrist, a specialist who helps patients manage musculo-skeletal problems using non-surgical methods, according to a video he recorded for the hospital.

Hardy was an avid skier and outdoorsman, who also practiced at Northwest Spine and Sports Physicians in Bellevue, which is now closed. His bio there indicated he also served as team physician for the University of Washington lacrosse team and the Sammamish High School football team.