Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski crash trial: Paltrow takes a stand

Gwyneth Paltrow was called to the witness stand on Friday in a civil lawsuit filed against her, where she disputed allegations that she caused an accident at Utah’s Deer Valley Resort in 2016 that seriously injured a man.

Terry Sanderson, 76, who is seeking $300,000 from Paltrow, says she rammed him from behind in a skiing collision that left him with a concussion, brain damage and four broken ribs, according to a first complaint. But Paltrow alleges it is actually Sanderson who is at fault and exploiting his wealth.

Paltrow and Sanderson both argue over who hit who and who was higher up the hill at the time of the crash. The Deer Valley website says the person ahead or downhill has the right of way.

Paltrow was called to the stand on Friday by Sanderson’s attorneys, after the jury heard from Sanderson’s daughters, an eyewitness and medical experts.

Sanderson’s acquaintance, Craig Ramon, who was at the station with him as part of a meet and greet group appears to be the only eyewitness to the crash. He testified Tuesday that he was about 35 feet upriver from Sanderson at the time of the crash.

Ramon said he heard a scream and within seconds saw Paltrow slam into Sanderson from behind. He stopped beside them after seeing them both fall to the ground, saying Paltrow got up but Sanderson was face down in the snow for about two minutes.

Paltrow did not speak to them, Ramon said, leaving about four minutes after the crash without identifying himself or asking if Sanderson was okay or needed medical attention.

Ramon denied claims by Paltrow’s lawyers that a member of the ski patrol came to the scene of the crash and told the court he reported the ski patrol after he and Sanderson tried to continue to ski downhill. Sanderson clearly “didn’t agree,” so Ramon said he asked for help getting Sanderson to the resort’s nurse position.

Paltrow’s attorneys are expected to take his defense next week, after Sanderson’s attorneys complete their case.

Diana Darsrath contributed.