The family of a British skier who fell 650ft to his death in the French Alps today said he had “the kindest heart”.
Jordan Waugh, 23, plunged from a cliff in the resort of Oz en Oisans, near Alpe d’Huez, on Saturday morning after venturing off-piste with two friends.
A mountain rescue spokesman in Grenoble said the three, who were seasonal staff for British tour operator VIP Ski, were trying to reach a marked ski slope when they went the wrong way.
They are thought to have taken off their skis to climb back before slipping on the “steep and icy” slope, with visibility as low as 20ft. Mr Waugh, an experienced skier, is believed to have died instantly.
One friend, a woman, remains in hospital, while the other was unhurt. Mr Waugh, from York, attended All Saints Roman Catholic school before studying at Northumbria University, according to his Facebook profile.
His family have flown to France. His sister Kennedy wrote on Facebook: “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all our amazing family and friends through this tragic time.
“We are struggling to come to terms with the news ... Jordan had the kindest heart anyone would ever come across.” Under a picture of her and Jordan, she wrote: “My big brother, my twin, you made me whole.”
Last week, a 21-year-old British man was killed when he hit a tree while skiing in Les Diablerets, Switzerland.
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