British Skiers Killed in French Alps Avalanche Named

Two British skiers, Stuart Leslie, 46, and Shaun Overy, 51, have been identified as two of the three people who died in an avalanche at Val d’Isère in southeastern France on Friday, February 13, 2026. The third fatality was a French national.

Details of the Avalanche

The incident occurred as a group of five skiers, accompanied by an instructor, were skiing off-piste in Val d’Isère. A red avalanche alert was in effect at the time, indicating a high risk of avalanches. The avalanche swept away Leslie and Overy, along with the French skier who was skiing alone. The Guardian reports that France’s national weather service had issued the red alert – only the third time such a warning has been given in the past 25 years.

Victim Profiles

Stuart Leslie, a sales and marketing director, regularly shared his skiing adventures on social media. The Standard identifies Shaun Overy as a London businessman who ran a plumbing company in Wimbledon with his wife.

Craig Hunter, a friend of Leslie, posted a tribute on Facebook, describing him as someone who “lived life to the absolute maximum” and “squeezed everything out of every moment.” He added that Leslie was happiest when skiing, finding “pure freedom” in fresh powder.

Investigation and Response

French authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation into the incident. The ski instructor involved tested negative for drugs. The Mirror reports the avalanche rumbled down the slope for 400 metres (1,300ft) before ending in a stream.

The Foreign Office has confirmed the deaths and stated they are in contact with local authorities, offering consular assistance.

Recent Avalanche Risks in the Alps

This tragedy follows the death of another British skier in an avalanche at the nearby La Plagne resort in January. Unstable snow conditions have also led to thirteen deaths among backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers in the Italian mountains earlier in February.