Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of British Skiers in French Alps
Two British skiers who lost their lives in a devastating avalanche in the French Alps have been officially identified as Stuart Leslie, 46, and Shaun Overy, 51. The tragic incident occurred on Friday in the renowned ski resort of Val d'Isère, located in south-eastern France, where the pair were part of a group of five individuals skiing off-piste under the guidance of an instructor.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The skiers were swept away by a sudden and powerful cascade of falling snow while exploring unmarked terrain. In addition to the British casualties, a French national who was skiing alone in the area also perished in the avalanche. Another British skier from the group miraculously survived the ordeal, escaping with their life.
Notably, the ski instructor accompanying the group emerged uninjured from the incident and subsequently tested negative for any substances in a drug screening conducted by authorities.
High Avalanche Risk and Weather Alerts
This tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of exceptionally dangerous snow conditions. France's national weather service had issued a red alert for avalanche risk on Thursday, marking only the third time such a severe warning has been declared in the 25 years since the current alert system was implemented, as reported by the newspaper Le Monde.
The unstable snowpack across the western Alps has led to a series of similar incidents in recent weeks, highlighting the heightened dangers faced by winter sports enthusiasts this season.
Profiles of the Victims
Stuart Leslie, aged 46, was an avid skier who frequently shared his mountain adventures on social media platforms. He is believed to have been close friends with Shaun Overy, 51, who operated a plumbing business in Wimbledon, south-west London.
Friends and loved ones have begun paying heartfelt tributes to the deceased. Craig Hunter, a friend of Stuart Leslie, expressed his grief on social media, stating: "We have lost a true legend – our beautiful Stuart. He lived life to the absolute maximum – he packed 10 men's lives into one. He squeezed everything out of every moment. When we skied together, he was at his happiest. He always said there was no better feeling in life, skiing fresh powder was pure freedom."
Investigation and Wider Context
Benoît Bachelet, the public prosecutor in Albertville, has confirmed that a manslaughter investigation has been initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal avalanche. This legal proceeding aims to determine any potential liabilities or safety oversights related to the incident.
This latest avalanche death follows the tragic loss of another British skier in his 50s at the nearby La Plagne resort in January, underscoring a perilous pattern in the region this winter.
Furthermore, the Italian mountains witnessed a grim toll in early February, with thirteen backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers losing their lives due to unstable snow conditions. Adding to the series of snow-related incidents, a train was derailed by a snow slide in Switzerland on Monday, as extensive areas of the western Alps continue to grapple with a high risk of avalanches.
