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Updated 8.59pm
AN IRISH SKIER was killed in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps yesterday evening.
The cross-country skier, who is believed to be in his early 30s, was reported missing at about 9.20pm local time in the Rotondo area, according to police in the Uri province.
Because of inclement weather and snow conditions, neither a helicopter or a search and rescue team could be deployed immediately.
Following an avalanche, his body was found by the Alpine Rescue Switzerland team not far from the town of Realp in central Switzerland.
Swiss officials said the man lived near Zurich. The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family.
At least three other skiers have died in the past 48 hours as avalanches hit the French and Swiss Alps.
Additional reporting by AFP; first published 6.25pm
This report has been updated to adjust the deceased’s age. The initial police report described him as 27 years old but thejournal.ie has not been able to verify his exact age.
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May he rest in peace .!!
What jerk would red thumb a RIP?
Same kind of jerk that red-thumbed you, I’d say, Gary.
Desperately trying to find who this is… I’ve lived in Zurich for the past 8 years and know a lot of the Irish community. There has been unseasonably little snow so far this season – The last snow fall was November 30th and now a ton has fallen in 48hrs. The lovely fresh powder is tempting but a Serious avalanche risk. R.I.P.
Hi Brian,
We have been talking with the DFA but no details are being released as yet.
We will update the piece when we can.
Thanks
Sinéad
Be careful out there guys, the snowpack in the alps is the most unstable it has been in a long time, even a few feet of piste could lead to disastrous consequences. If you are not sure don’t go. Thoughts are with his family tonight.
Seven deaths in the last 24 hours. Have been snowboarding for many years now and I can’t recall any season being this bad
I’m skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at the moment. We had two deaths here yesterday due to avalanche. The guys went off piste despite warnings the area was closed. Always so sad to hear.
Brian, the fresh snow is not the problem! Basically the early season snow pack that fell in November is inherently unstable and will be for the entire season. Even before the Fresh snow had fallen there was a number of people killed in the weeks before Christmas. This base layer when it slides creates full depth avalanches, and increases the risks to those caught in them.
One of the best known mountain guides in Europe was also killed today. Holiday makers are at risk here areas that would normally be safe to ski will be high risk all season.
Agreed Wayne, my point was “fresh snow = eager skiers”. I was out on the slopes in Laax 2 weeks ago.
Lots of uneducated eager skiers is the problem
He is in my thoughts and prayers
Well it’s not just that, guides with plenty of experience are being caught out as well.
RIP
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