The French rugby world is in mourning after the tragic death of 29-year-old Quentin Philippe. The captain of the amateur club Annecy-le-Vieux was killed in an avalanche at the Italian resort of Courmayeur. The rugby player used the time after a league match was postponed for a ski trip with two friends. The expedition ended fatally for the entire group, despite a large-scale rescue operation involving helicopters and specialized mountain teams.

Tragedy in Courmayeur

29-year-old Quentin Philippe was killed in an avalanche in Italy during a ski vacation after his league match was postponed.

Three Fatalities

Not only the captain of Annecy-le-Vieux died in the accident, but also two of his friends, including a 31-year-old skier.

Rescue Operation

In the search and attempt to rescue the athletes in the Mont Blanc massif, 15 professional rescuers were involved.

The tragic incident in which Quentin Philippe lost his life occurred last weekend in the area of the Italian resort Courmayeur, located in the Mont Blanc massif. The athlete, serving as captain for the Annecy-le-Vieux team playing at the Fédérale 3 level, went to the mountains after his team's Sunday match was postponed. He was accompanied by two friends, including 31-year-old Hugo Neuville. The group of skiers was swept away by an avalanche in the Planpincieux Canyon. The rescue operation was extremely complex and involved 15 rescuers and aerial units. Although initial hopes emerged for saving the player, after several days of fighting for his life in the hospital, doctors declared the 29-year-old dead. According to the latest reports, the accident proved fatal for the entire three-person group. The rugby player's club and the local community of Haute-Savoie are in deep shock after losing their leader and flanker. The Mont Blanc massif in the Courmayeur region has been considered one of the most demanding and dangerous terrains for off-piste skiers for decades. The risk of avalanches in this area is monitored by Italian and French mountain services, but sudden warm spells often lead to unpredictable tragedies. Representatives of the BAAR Annecy-le-Vieux club issued a statement emphasizing they are "devastated" by the loss of their captain, who was a pillar of their organization. Quentin Philippe was valued not only for his sporting skills but above all for his charisma and leadership abilities, which allowed him to effectively lead the team in difficult league struggles. „Fate unfortunately caused the match to be postponed, and the players could use this time as a short vacation. We are devastated.” — Club Representative BAAR Number of Victims and Rescue Participants: Fatalities: 3, Rescuers in Action: 15

Mentioned People

  • Quentin Philippe — Captain of the French rugby club Annecy-le-Vieux, victim of an avalanche in Italy.
  • Hugo Neuville — 31-year-old friend of Quentin Philippe, who also died in the avalanche.