West Coast Ski Resort Faces Airsoft Gun Lawsuit: Claims of Near-Fatal Shot Spark Investigations

A significant Airsoft Gun Lawsuit has been filed against a popular ski resort, stemming from an alleged airsoft gun shooting incident that occurred on Christmas night 2024. David Martyn, the plaintiff, claims he was targeted while walking through the SilverStar Mountain Resort village en route to a dinner reservation. Martyn alleges that a shot narrowly missed his head, which he believes was an attempted headshot that could have resulted in death or severe injury. This Airsoft Gun Lawsuit was officially filed in 2025, naming both SilverStar Mountain Resort and its former owner, POWDR, as defendants. Current news from the west coast is shedding light on this developing situation.

The Alleged Shooting Incident and an Airsoft Gun Lawsuit

The plaintiff, David Martyn, was in the resort village when the alleged incident occurred. While en route to a Christmas dinner around 5:15 p.m., Martyn reported hearing a whistling sound near his head, followed by shots fired from a staff housing building. He took immediate cover behind a snowbank, realizing he was being targeted by an Airsoft Gun Lawsuit target. Two more shots were fired in his direction, leading Martyn to believe the shooter was aware of his presence, as there were no other plausible targets. The lawsuit contends that the shooter’s actions were not accidental, and Martyn’s safety was severely threatened by this Airsoft Gun Lawsuit scenario.

Plaintiff’s Claims and Injuries in the Airsoft Gun Lawsuit

As a result of the alleged shooting incident, Martyn claims to have developed post-traumatic stress disorder, experiencing significant distress. He is representing himself in this complex legal matter. His claim seeks substantial damages for his suffering and addresses the alleged employee negligence. The plaintiff detailed his harrowing experience in the civil claim notice, emphasizing that he believes the incident placed his life at extreme risk, a key point in this Airsoft Gun Lawsuit.

Resort’s Response and Employee Involvement in the Airsoft Gun Lawsuit

SilverStar Mountain Resort has acknowledged certain facts, including the employment of Taylor Scathorne, who resided in resort staff accommodations and admitted to firing a compressed gas BB gun from a staff housing window. However, Scathorne denied being aware of anyone in the vicinity. SilverStar vehemently denies responsibility for his actions, stating that Scathorne was off duty and his conduct was unrelated to his employment. The resort asserts they had no prior knowledge of the gun, claim they immediately confiscated the airsoft gun, evicted Scathorne, and subsequently fired him. SilverStar also reported the incident to the RCMP and stated their full cooperation with police investigations. The resort’s court filings highlight these points, denying any liability for the employee’s alleged conduct in this Airsoft Gun Lawsuit.

Ownership History and Sale of SilverStar

POWDR acquired SilverStar Mountain Resort in December 2019, marking their first Canadian property among numerous US resorts. However, reports surfaced in August 2024 indicating POWDR’s intention to sell SilverStar and other resorts, with JP Morgan advising the sale process. Subsequently, in November 2025, Pacific Group Resorts acquired SilverStar, signifying a major ownership transition. The fact that the Airsoft Gun Lawsuit names both the current and former owner adds a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.

Broader Implications and Current Status of the Airsoft Gun Lawsuit

This legal action brings to the forefront critical safety concerns and raises important questions about resort accountability, particularly following an airsoft gun incident. Such events can significantly impact a resort’s reputation. The Airsoft Gun Lawsuit is currently proceeding through the court system, and its ultimate outcome remains uncertain. The trending nature of safety investigations at resorts is notable, and this particular case is significant news for the west coast skiing community, including discussions around the SilverStar Mountain Resort and its dealings with the POWDR former owner. The legal battle is expected to continue, with further details likely to emerge as the proceedings unfold. This complex situation involves multiple parties, with the plaintiff seeking justice for his alleged trauma, and the resort and its former owner defending their positions against the claims in the Airsoft Gun Lawsuit, which also touches upon issues of potential employee negligence and the plaintiff’s alleged development of traumatic stress disorder after the near-fatal shooting claim.