Two skiers who were off-piste lost their lives in a tragic avalanche incident in France, their identities now revealed through pictures. Known as Stuart Leslie, aged 46, and Shaun Overy, aged 51, they were part of a group of four skiers caught in the avalanche while skiing in Val d’Isère.
The avalanche struck the group as they were skiing in the Manchet valley accompanied by an instructor. Stuart and Shaun were carried down the slope into a stream where their bodies were later discovered by emergency services. Tragically, a third individual, a French skier from the vicinity, also perished in the avalanche.
Reports indicate that another British skier was injured but managed to extricate himself from the heavy snow. Stuart, who served as a sales and marketing director for Barratt Redrow construction, has been fondly remembered with heartfelt tributes pouring in for him.
Stuart, an ardent off-piste skiing enthusiast, frequently shared his experiences on social media, showcasing his passion for skiing on natural terrains. Shaun, on the other hand, operated a plumbing business in Wimbledon alongside his wife, Francesca, who co-directs the company. The two friends were described as skilled and experienced skiers.
The avalanche occurred shortly after the region was placed on a red alert due to Storm Nils, which deposited significant amounts of snow. The tragic event unfolded as a thunderous avalanche descended the mountain, leading to unstable snow conditions. Authorities have initiated a manslaughter investigation in response to the incident.
Following the snowstorm, several nearby ski resorts were forced to close, with the red alert eventually lifted but the risk level remaining high. The avalanche traveled approximately 400 meters down the slope before reaching a stream, as confirmed by Val d’Isère’s piste director.
While the exact cause of the avalanche remains unclear, French media speculates that the solo skier who also perished might have triggered the avalanche.
