Students hit by fatal avalanche
Monday June 14, 2010 - Email this article to a friend

The student who died has been named as 20-year old Henry Lo from New York.

He was in a group of 9 people when the avalanche hit them as they made their way from a mountain hut in the Kandersteg area in central Switzerland.

According to a report we have seen from the Cantonal Police they were hit by the avalanche at around noon last Sunday as they made their way down from the Fründenhütte.

The avalanche consisted of snow, ice and rocks and appears to have been set off by a skier above the group who escaped unharmed.

The skier has been questioned by the authorities.

Summer in the Swiss AlpsHe was carried more than 100m down the hill and was was swept over a cliff.

Lo was pronounced dead at the scene by the mountain rescue service.

There were 7 Americans and 2 English students in the group and they came from Exeter College, Oxford University.

The Americans were on an exchange programme with the English University.

A female student and class mate, Amy Nolan,sustained serious head injuries though her life is not in danger, according to the Swiss authorities.

She is being treated in hospital and her family is now with her.

The others in the group were also treated for shock and minor injuries though all have now been released.

They were flown by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment, and are now back in the UK.

An investigation is now under way by the local cantonal magistrates.

Next of kin have been informed and there is a statement about the accident on the web site of the US University, Williams.

Although the full details of the accident are unclear Swiss authorities investigate all incidents where a person triggers an avalanche and prosecutions may follow if they are found to be at fault. 

There were a number of incidents last winter as PlanetSKI reported from the Swiss Alps.

There are many more accidents in the mountains in the summer months than in the winter.

The President of Williams University, Adam Falk, has given further details of the accident.

"While walking yesterday, they were hit by an avalanche of snow, ice, and rocks. Henry Lo was swept to his death, and Amy Nolan suffered a blow to her head. Swiss rescuers responded quickly, retrieving Henry's body and taking Amy by helicopter to a hospital in Bern. We're told that she never lost consciousness. She was operated on yesterday, and the student who was allowed to visit her today reports that she was talking and smiling. Her parents, Cathy and Jim Nolan, professor of sociology, are now there with her."

Falk goes on to pay tribute to the student and offer his condolenses to the family.

"At this profoundly sad moment our hearts are first with Henry's family for their sudden and devastating loss. No plans have yet been set for any services."

Bookmark this page

Related Articles