C.R. Johnson, a renowned freestyle skier from Truckee, Calif., was killed Wednesday while riding the Light Towers section of the Headwall at Squaw Valley, a place where he's been turning heads for more than a decade. He was 26 years old.

Resort officials and witnesses on the scene reported that Johnson's ski caught an exposed rock while turning. The snag sent him tumbling down the hill and his head struck more rocks along the way. According to Amelia Richmond, a spokesman for Squaw Valley, the Ski Patrol and medical personnel were on hand within minutes of the accident, but they were unable to save him.

Johnson was a star in the free skiing community; the 2002 U.S. Champion was a multiple X Games medalist and is credited with being the first skier to land a 1440, which is four full rotations. He's also one of the most highly regarded halfpipe riders in the world. But in recent years it's been his amazing comeback story that's inspired so many of his friends and loved ones. Johnson survived a traumatic brain injury in 2005. That accident left him in a coma for 10 days.

News of his passing on Wednesday shocked the tight-knit skiing community. Johnson was very familiar with the Light Towers section of Squaw Valley. He'd been a standout on the mountain for years during his impressive career. While the local skiing community is obviously devastated, the reverberations will be felt worldwide. Johnson has been a fixture in skiing magazines and films, and is considered a hero and inspiration to many of the sport's best riders.

The video below is Johnson talking about how his 2005 accident shaped his views on life, and the sport he loved.