Death of skiers in avalanche ruled an accident

A British skier and her son were killed in a "tragic accident" after an avalanche in France, a coroner has said.

Kate Vokes, 54, and Archie Vokes, 22, were hit last December in an off-piste area near the French ski resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.

Coroner Alison Much said the pair from Manchester were "experienced skiers".

Stockport Coroners Court heard no action was to be taken by the French authorities and no-one would be prosecuted over the deaths.

A joint inquest concluded their deaths on 28 December were accidental, caused by asphyxia.

Local authorities said at the time that the avalanche began at an altitude of about 2,300 metres (7,546 ft) and travelled around 400 metres (1,312 ft).

Officials said it might have been triggered by another party of skiers at a higher altitude.

A manslaughter investigation was opened by police in nearby Chamonix in December, but the inquest was told no-one would be prosecuted.

"The view of the French authorities is that it appears this was a tragic accident," the coroner said.

The Vokes family were not present in court, but the coroner said the pair were described by relatives as "very experienced skiers who were familiar with that area".

Extending condolences to the family, the coroner said the two were "enjoying an activity that it’s clear they were extremely experienced at and gained a significant amount of enjoyment from".

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