An inquest has heard how a British skier died after ignoring signs that a notoriously difficult piste was closed.
Grahame Carter, 47, lost control skiing down the Pas De Chavanette run in Portes du Soleil near Champery, Switzerland.
Another skier witnessed the father-of-two’s “violent” fall down the black run, where he was seen falling “head over foot” down the 37 degree incline in February.
According to a coroner, Carter, who was wearing a helmet, lost his skis during the fall and suffered injuries “incompatible with survival.”
Grahame Carter, 47, died on the piste
WikiCommons/X
Now, an inquest at Horsham Coroner’s Court heard that the Pas De Chavanette piste, known as one of the most dangerous slopes in the world, was closed because of dangerous, icy conditions. However, the court heard Carter, from Westhampnett, Chichester, “ignored” the warnings, reports The Times
An eyewitness statement read at the inquest said: “At around 9.40am as I got on the chair lift I saw this person take a difficult slope. He took a big fall after about 20 metres from the start of the slope.
“The fall was violent and the skier did not stop. He was sliding in all directions then he started to go head over foot. I have never seen that in my life and it was very shocking. As the fall went on the skier picked up more and more speed. He stopped about 20 metres before the end of the field.”
The witness said they called emergency services, adding: “Once I reached the top of the chair lift, I saw the slope was closed and rescuers were on site.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
An inquest took place at Horsham Coroner’s Court
Google Maps
The family of Carter who worked as chief sales officer at recruitment agency Gattaca in Whiteley, near Fareham, Hampshire paid tribute to him, saying he had a “zest for life.”
His wife, Roma read a statement to the inquest that said: “He was never one to remain in his comfort zone, he was unashamedly himself. He was always present, he was always available and unerringly reliable to friends and family alike.
“He was ethical, fun, inspiring, determined, inclusive, selfless and compassionate. He laughed a lot and not at others’ expense
“He was phenomenal, gregarious, warm-hearted and most importantly he was always kind. Everyone always felt a little better after a little dose of Grahame. He is irreplaceable and the world is a worse place without him.”
Coroner Dr Karen Henderson ruled the death was an accident and gave his cause of death as traumatic head injury.
Giving her conclusion, Dr Henderson said: “It was a black slope known to be very difficult and you need to have a good level of skiing to do it. The slope was closed. Unfortunately Mr Carter ignored these warnings.
“The findings are compatible with a violent fall…He loved being competitive. He didn’t do it to hurt other people, it was just part of his drive and personality. He was fully geared up with a helmet and suchlike in the hope that would give him protection but sadly it didn’t.
“At the point he was found, his injuries were such that they were incompatible with his survival.
“There is only one conclusion I can give which is an accident. This was an unintended consequence of a voluntary act. I admire his spirit and his wish to undertake such sports.”
