A skier believed to be Paul K. Schiller, special researcher at the Psychology Lab, toppled into a 100 feet crevice near the top of Tucker man's Ravine headwall yesterday and is now feared to be dead.

Several skiers saw the accident on Mr. Washington and identified the victim as Schiller. They gave an alarm, and a crew of volunteer rescue workers was organized, only to be forced back by melting snow. Police believe the man is dead, because he struck several rocks in his fall.

According to witnesses, the skier made a sweeping turn on the headwall lip, lost his balance, and plunged into a stream of frigid water at the bottom of the crack. Rescue workers dug shafts in the sides of the crevasse and were able to catch sight of the victim's skis.

The workers felt, "If he wasn't killed by the rocks, he would probably have drowned in the water." Joseph Dodge, manager of the Appalachian Mountain Club and rescue chief, claimed that he couldn't have lived more than 15 minutes. "It may be days before we find him," Dodge said. "He's probably far below the ice field." Another searching crew will set out today.