World champion snowboarder Estelle Balet was killed in an avalanche in Switzerland on Tuesday, April 19, multiple outlets reported. She was 21.
Local Swiss officials confirmed her tragic death to NBC News on Tuesday, saying Balet had died during a film shoot close to the southwest border of Switzerland, near Italy and France. She was snowboarding at the time on Le Portalet, a mountain located above Orsieres in the Mont Blanc massif.
According to police, the young athlete was on the mountain at around 8 a.m. and was the second snowboarder to rapidly pass through a ravine.
Authorities said this quick succession of events triggered the avalanche, which carried on for 3,000-plus feet and “swept [her] away.” Balet was wearing rescue gear, including a helmet and airbag in the event of an avalanche. Rescue personnel flew immediately to the site and were able to free Balet, but she died on the scene.
The first snowboarder wasn’t caught in the avalanche.
Balet had recently won the Freeride World Tour in Verbier, Switzerland, in early April. The event released a statement mourning the gifted athlete on Tuesday.
“Estelle Balet was a naturally gifted shining star and demonstrated remarkable talent as she quickly became a household name on the Freeride World Tour,” Freeride shared in its statement to NBC. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Estelle Balet as we send our deepest sympathy and condolences during this very difficult time.”
