British rep killed in ski accident

A Briton who died in a skiing accident in France was named by officials today.

Thomas Lynch, 22, from Leicestershire, collided with a snow-making cannon in the resort of Val D'Isere, where he was working as a holiday representative for Crystal Ski.

Mr Lynch was skiing with several colleagues on a day off yesterday when he fell and hit the machine.

Medics battled to save him after his friends raised the alarm, but he died on the slopes.

Mr Lynch had also worked for Crystal Ski in the French Alpine resorts of La Plagne and Meribel.

His family will fly to France tomorrow.

A spokeswoman for the company, which is part of TUI Travel Group, said: "Crystal Ski regrets to confirm that a member of staff was involved in a fatal ski accident at Val d'Isere at 12 o'clock on Tuesday.

"No-one else was involved in the accident. His friends who witnessed the fall immediately alerted pisteurs and a doctor attended the scene, but the young man was declared dead.

"The next of kin have been informed and TUI are helping to make arrangements for the family to fly out to France.

"A welfare counsellor is also on the way to France to assist staff who witnessed the accident. The French authorities and the British Consulate in France have been informed.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time."

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We are aware of the death of a British national and are providing consular assistance."

PA