Skier (25) convicted of manslaughter for skiing too fast

A verdict has been reached in the case concerning the death of a 75-year-old Italian on the ski slopes of Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

In December 2023, a 25-year-old Belgian collided with a 75-year-old man on the piste while skiing. The young Belgian winter sports enthusiast had attempted to overtake the Italian, but things went wrong. The Belgian tourist was unable to brake, resulting in a violent collision and extremely serious injuries for the older man. The 75-year-old Italian died at the scene.

The court in Switzerland has now found the Belgian guilty of manslaughter through negligence due to excessive speed on the ski slope. He must pay a suspended fine of 3,600 Swiss francs (£3,030), subject to a two-year probation period. In addition, he receives a further fine of 1,000 Swiss francs (£840) and must pay the victim’s family 13,800 Swiss francs (£11,620) for legal costs. The victim’s family is also seeking €100,000 Swiss francs (£84,000) in damages; a civil court is still to rule on this matter.

(SR – Source: HLN – Illustration: ©Unsplash)