A World Cup skier from France has died after he crashed through some safety netting and hit a tree while on a training run at Nakiska in Kananaskis Country.
The French ski team released a statement saying 35 year-old David Poisson died in an accident.
Poisson was a member of France’s Alpine team.
He took downhill bronze in the 2013 world ski championships and had one World Cup podium finish in his career.
RCMP say the accident happened around 9:00 a.m. Monday morning and it appears Poisson caught an edge and crashed through the safety netting striking a tree.
Police say the team doctor was on the scene quickly and resuscitative efforts were attempted but they were not able to revive him and Poisson died on scene.
Word of Poisson’s death has sparked an outpouring of support from the skiing community.
Matt Mosteller with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies says what happened is horrible.
“We can’t even fathom what the family is going through,” he says. “We’re providing all the care and support for our team and the French National team.”
Kerrin Lee-Gartner posted on Twitter she is sending her love and support to Poisson’s family and team.
Kelly VanderBeek writes “I’m in shock. My heart goes out to the entire community, but especially his family, friends, and all those who loved him.”
Alpine Canada also issued a statement.
It reads, “Alpine Canada wishes to extend its deepest condolences on the tragic death of French national team skier David Poisson. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates, and fans at this difficult time.”
The French National Ski Team had been training in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
