Canadian racer Nick Zoricic fell heavily on Saturday into safety nets after the final jump and died due to his severe head injuries, according to the International Ski Federation's statement. The 29-year-old Zoricic died as a result of "severe neurotrauma" at a World Cup skicross event, the federation said. Grindelwald has been a venue on the skicross World Cup circuit since 2005. The Swiss village beneath the Eiger and Jungfrau mountain peaks was hosting a meet for the fifth straight year.

Zoricic crashed directly into safety nets lining the side of the course after going wide over the final jump. Television showed Zoricic tumbling through the nets as his skis and poles were thrown clear. "Nick Zoricic fell heavily just before the finish in the round of eight, crashing directly into the safety netting and thereafter lying motionless," the federation said. "The medical care from team doctors and Air Glacier followed immediately."

"The organizing committee, FIS and Swiss Ski express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nick Zoricic and the Canadian Ski Team," the statement said. Organizers canceled World Cup events for men and women on Saturday, along with the scheduled World Cup Finals races at the same venue on Sunday.

Zoricic has raced on the World Cup circuit for more than three years and was competing in his 36th event. He placed eighth in the 2011 World Championships at Deer Valley, Utah.

Zoricic is the second Canadian skier to die this season. In January, 29-year-old freestyle skier Sarah Burke died following a training accident on a halfpipe in Utah.

Zoricic was a member of the Craigleith Ski Club in Ontario. "I can't believe this tragic news. Nick Zoricic has died? I'm sick to my stomach," former Canadian Alpine racer Brian Stemmle wrote on Twitter.