LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris withdrew from Thursday night's big air qualifier at the Milan Cortina Olympics less than 24 hours after a hard crash that resulted in a brief trip to the hospital.
The 32-year-old McMorris, one of Canada's biggest Olympic stars, posted on Instagram, “I hit my head and will not be able to compete in big air tonight, unfortunately," but that he would be ready to go for the slopestyle contest, which starts Feb. 16.
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Canada's Mark McMorris crashes during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Canada's Mark McMorris reacts after crashing during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Medical personnel stretcher Canada's Mark McMorris off after crashing during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
People tend to Canada's Mark McMorris after crashing during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
“Just trying to stay positive and focus on that event," said McMorris, whose three Olympic bronze medals all came in slopestyle. “Huge thanks to the incredible medical staff who took great care of me, and to everyone who reached out with so much love and support.”
Taking McMorris' spot on the start list is Val Guseli, normally a halfpipe rider, who competes for Australia.
Canadian Snowboard official Brendan Matthews, who witnessed the spill, said McMorris was released from the hospital “right away” after being taken off the hill on a stretcher Wednesday night. Matthews called it standard protocol to load a rider onto a stretcher after an accident.
“It’s always looks scary when somebody takes a hard fall like that, but all things considered, it’s good news," Matthews said.
In big air, riders do four, five or more spins after taking off from a ramp that, in Livigno, is more than 50 meters (165 feet) tall and built on scaffolding.
McMorris told his Instagram followers he appreciated the outpouring of concern since news of his accident surfaced.
“I haven’t been on my phone much but the messages do not go unnoticed," he said.
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
Canada's Mark McMorris crashes during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Canada's Mark McMorris reacts after crashing during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Medical personnel stretcher Canada's Mark McMorris off after crashing during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
People tend to Canada's Mark McMorris after crashing during a snowboard big air training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
CALGARY, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2026--
Blackline Safety Corp. (" Blackline " or the " Company ") (TSX: BLN), a global leader in connected safety technology, is pleased to announce that independent proxy advisory firms, including Institutional Shareholder Services (" ISS "), have recommended that shareholders vote " FOR " the proposed plan of arrangement (the " Transaction ") with Apollo Purchaser, Inc. (the " Purchaser "), a newly formed corporation controlled by Francisco Partners Management, L.P. The special meeting of shareholders of Blackline (the " Meeting ") to approve the Transaction is scheduled for June 15, 2026. Under the Transaction, shareholders will receive $9.00 in cash per share plus one contingent value right (" CVR ") per share, entitling holders to a potential cash payment of up to $0.50 per CVR if the Company achieves a certain annualized recurring revenue target in fiscal 2027.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260604758725/en/
The Meeting will be held at the offices of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP located at 2400, 525 – 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 1G1 on June 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (Calgary time). The management information circular and related documents can be accessed online on Blackline's website at https://investors.blacklinesafety.com/shareholder-special-meeting and on Blackline's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
The recommendations from the independent proxy advisory firms, including ISS, follow the unanimous recommendation of Blackline's special committee of independent directors (the " Special Committee ") and its board of directors (with all interested directors abstaining) that shareholders vote FOR the Transaction.
Jason Cohenour, Chair of the Special Committee commented:
"We are pleased that the leading independent proxy advisory firms have recognized the benefits and merits of the Transaction for Blackline shareholders and have recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. These recommendations support the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Committee, who oversaw a robust strategic review and sales process. The Transaction provides shareholders with the opportunity to realize immediate and certain value in cash for their investment at a significant premium to recent trading levels and potential additional value through the CVRs."
Shareholders Are Encouraged to Vote Ahead of the Proxy Deadline
The proxy voting deadline is June 11, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (Calgary time). Shareholders are encouraged to vote well in advance of the proxy voting deadline to ensure your vote is submitted in a timely manner. Shareholders may vote online, by telephone or by any other methods provided in the form or proxy or voting instruction form which have been included as part of the mailing.
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 27, 2026 are eligible to vote at the Meeting.
Shareholder Questions & Voting Assistance
Shareholders with questions or who require voting assistance may contact Blackline's proxy solicitation agent:
Laurel Hill Advisory Group
North America Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184
Outside North America: 1-416-304-0211
Text Message: Text "INFO" to 416-304-0211 or 1-877-452-7184
Email:assistance@laurelhill.com
About Blackline Safety: Blackline Safety is a technology leader driving innovation in the industrial workforce through IoT (Internet of Things). With connected safety devices and predictive analytics, Blackline enables companies to drive towards increased safety and improved operational performance. Blackline provides wearable devices, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and enhance overall productivity for organizations with customers in more than 75 countries. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, Blackline provides a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 323 billion data-points and initiated over eight million emergency alerts. For more information, visit blacklinesafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Blackline Safety's headquarters in Calgary, Canada
