Mystery as British skier, 27, found dead at Alps resort
FRENCH prosecutors have appealed for witnesses after the unexplained death of a 27-year-old British holidaymaker at an Alps ski resort.
Identified only as Patrick F, he was discovered lying by the side of a road in Flaine, part of the linked Grand Massif alpine sports domain.
Tragedy
It is understood he had been on a week-long ski break with friends.
He had spent the evening of Wednesday, March 30 in the Social Bar, a venue very popular with visitors from the UK.
An investigator who released a photo of Patrick F, said: “The deceased’s body was found late in the evening lying by a road nearby.
“Efforts were made to revive him, but he was declared dead at the scene. We are appealing anybody who might have seen him on the night of March 30 to come forward.”
They added: “The aim is to try and piece together the circumstances leading up to this tragic death.”
Gendarmes from nearby Scionzier are carrying out enquiries in the area.
Prosecutors and an examining magistrate are leading the probe.
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who died in France and are in touch with the local authorities.”
This is the second tragedy this year involving a Briton in the area, which is north-west of Chamonix.
A 40-year-old French skier was arrested in January in Flaine after the death of a five-year-old British girl.
Charges
He is accused of colliding with the girl – who was being taught by a ski instructor with other children – while allegedly travelling at such a high speed it broke resort limits.
Neither the victim nor the accused, who faces manslaughter charges, have been identified.