Jordan Waugh, from York, fell from a cliff in the ski resort after he tried to help his friend who had got into difficulties off-piste
A British skier, who dreamed of joining the Army, plunged to his death in the French Alps as he tried to help a friend who had got into difficulties.
Jordan Waugh, 23, from York, fell from a cliff in the ski resort after he tried to help his friend who had got into difficulties off-piste.
Mr Waugh and his two friends were all experienced skiers, and had met while working for holiday company VIP Ski.
His family, including his mother Karen and her partner Andy, dad Nick and sister Kennedy, travelled to France after the accident.
They have paid tribute to a beloved brother and son, who died trying to help a friend who had got into difficulties on the mountain.
They have described him as a high achiever as well as keen sportsman, and said he dreamt of joining the forces as an officer after his time in Alpe d’Huez.
Mother Karen said: ‘The most important thing for us is that Jordan was with his friends. He was skiing, doing what he loved.’
A family statement read: ‘From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all our amazing family and friends through this tragic time. We apologise to the friends of Jordan who are reading this and are unaware, we have tried to contact as many of Jordan’s friends as possible.
‘When someone was as much loved as Jordan, it has been difficult to contact everyone.
‘A son, brother, and a friend Jordan sadly passed away in a tragic skiing accident on Saturday the 24th of February in France.
‘As you can all imagine, we are struggling to come to terms with the news and I’m sure you all are to.
‘We are currently in France as a family and will keep you updated as soon as we have any further details.
‘Jordan had the kindest heart anyone would ever come across.
‘All our love,
‘Karen & Andy, Nick, Kennedy, Tilly, Chantelle & Casey.’
Writing on Facebook, Kennedy thanked family and friends for their support as the family struggles to come to terms with the loss.
Mr Waugh had spent time working at his family’s businesses Sotano Charcuterie and Bar, and Kennedy’s in Little Stonegate.
He grew up in York and went to St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School, All Saints RC School, Tadcaster Grammar School and York College.
Teachers at All Saints have paid their own tributes, saying Mr Waugh is ‘fondly remembered’ at the school.
A school spokesman said: ‘As a school we were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the recent and tragic death of our former student, Jordan Waugh.
‘He is very fondly remembered by the current staff at school who knew him. They spoke of a young man who contributed to the full life of the school and always seemed to have a smile on his face.
His family described him as a high achiever as well as keen sportsman, and said he dreamt of joining the forces as an officer after his time in Alpe d’Huez
‘We would like to extend our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to Jordan’s family and friends at this most challenging time.’
The ski company has confirmed three of its staff were involved in the accident, and said that while one is still in intensive care at a local hospital, her injuries are not life threatening, and the third was unhurt.
Managing director Andy Sturt added: ‘Our efforts are currently concentrated on providing unlimited support and assistance to the victims of the accident, their colleagues and most importantly, the family of the deceased, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathies and wholehearted condolences.
‘We ask that their privacy is respected during this extremely difficult time.’
After school and college in York, Mr Waugh headed to Northumbria University and in 2016 gained a first-class honours degree in Sports Management followed by an MSc in International Business Management, with distinction.
Besides his academic success, he was project manager for Durham’s Dragon Boat Festival in 2016, headed to Nayang Polytechnic in Singapore for an internship, and played an active part in the Great North Run Opening Ceremony in 2014.
His family also described him as a keen sportsman who volunteered as a coach at York City Hockey Club, and helped build a classroom at a primary school in Tanzania.