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Skier Spots Body In Creek From Chairlift

By Matt Kroschel

VAIL, Colo. (CBS4)- Police are investigating after a body was spotted in Gore Creek by a skier on a chairlift in the Lionshead area of Vail.

Vail Police Department
(credit: Vail Police Department/Facebook)

Police in Vail initially closed skier access to Lionshead but access has since been reopened.

During that time, skiers were asked to use Vail Village, Golden Peak or Cascade Village.

Investigators identified the man as Maldwyn George Zang, 59, of Vail. They say he's a long-time local and who has two sisters and one brother.

Investigators say they have no reason to believe foul play is involved at this time. Authorities removed Zang's body from the water shortly after the discovery about 9 a.m.

The Eagle County Coroner is investigating the death.

A backpack was found in the creek nearby. There was a copy of a local newspaper in the backpack dated Jan. 15, along with a small set of car keys and a first aid kit.

Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.

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