Young British Teen Tragically Dies in Skiing Accident During Family Holiday A British teenager has tragically lost his life after a devastating skiing accident during a family vacation in Italy. The 13-year-old boy, who remains unnamed, lost control of his skis and collided with a tree while skiing on a red slope designated for intermediate and advanced skiers in the Lagazuoi area of the Dolomites, according to reports from local outlet Corriere del Veneto. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 22 just after 9:30 a.m. local time, resulted in the boy succumbing to his injuries instantly despite efforts to revive him. The young skier had been on holiday with his parents, who were on the slope with him at the time of the tragic accident.
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Emergency staff and witnesses recount that the boy, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, lost control of his skis and collided with a tree near the piste. The local police spokesperson in Belluno confirmed that no one else was involved in the accident, hinting that it was a solitary incident. The family was reportedly staying in San Cassiano in the Alta Badia valley during their ski trip, and the boy was part of a larger group that was skiing in the region at the time. The slope where the accident took place has an elevation starting at 2,732 meters and descending down to 2,105 meters, with a distance of around 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers).
Francesco Cataldo Giorgi, a ski instructor and the vice president of the Happy Ski school in Cortina, described the unfortunate event as a result of the boy gaining excessive speed and losing control while navigating a slope dip. Giorgi emphasized the importance of caution in skiing, highlighting that a simple miscalculation or fall in the wrong place can lead to devastating consequences. The mayor of Cortina, Gianluca Lorenzi, expressed his condolences, indicating the sorrow felt by the community and local authorities for the loss of the young boy.
A U.K. foreign office spokesperson has confirmed that they are providing support to the family of the deceased British national and are in contact with the relevant Italian authorities following the tragic incident. The victim was a student at Queen Elizabeth Hospital School in Bristol, England, and the headteacher of the school, Rupert Heathcote, shared sentiments of grief and support for the students and staff affected by the loss. Various parties, including the police in Belluno, the Happy Ski School in Cortina, the Lagazuoi ski area, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital School, have not yet responded to requests for further information regarding the accident.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and dangers associated with winter sports, especially skiing. The importance of adhering to safety measures and receiving proper guidance and training while engaging in such activities cannot be understated. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young victim during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.