James Davis-Goff: Irish man killed in Swiss Alps helicopter crash

An Irish man who was one of three people who died in a helicopter crash in the Swiss Alps was James Davis-Goff.

The 34-year-old from County Wicklow was from a well-known family, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.

Two other people were airlifted for treatment after the crash on Tuesday morning on the Petit Combin mountain, while another was rescued later.

The helicopter was taking a guide and visitors to a drop-off point for skiers at around 09:25 local time (07:25 GMT).

Mr Davis-Goff's family own the Ballinacor Estate near Rathdrum and live between there and the Isle of Man.

James, who was also known as Jimmy, worked for the United Nations as a project development officer.

He was well-travelled and had previously interned for the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in San Francisco, United States.

His sister Sarah Davis-Goff is the co-founder of Dublin publishing company Tramp Press.

In a statement, the local police said the helicopter crashed at the airfield on the mountain and "slipped down the northern slope".

It was carrying the pilot, a mountain guide and four clients.

Seven rescue helicopters attended the scene, according to the police statement.

The Swiss Safety Investigation Service has opened an investigation into the cause of the incident.

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, which is responsible for aviation accidents, is responsible for the criminal investigation in cooperation with Fedpol and the Valais Cantonal Police.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the incident and is ready to provide consular assistance.