UK Mother and Son’s Deaths in French Alps Avalanche Ruled Accidental

An inquest confirms the December 2023 avalanche deaths of Kate and Archie Vokes were a tragic accident with no legal actions to follow.

Kate Vokes, 54, and her son Archie Vokes, 22, were killed in an avalanche while skiing off-piste in the Saint-Gervais-les-Bains resort in the French Alps on December 28, 2023.
A Manchester South Coroner’s Court inquest concluded their deaths were accidental, caused by asphyxia from being buried in the snow.
The pair, described as experienced skiers familiar with the area, were on a family holiday when the avalanche struck at an altitude of 2,300 meters and traveled approximately 400 meters.
French authorities investigated the incident, including reports that the avalanche may have been triggered by other skiers, but determined no legal proceedings would be pursued.
The Vokes family expressed their heartbreak over the loss, with Kate remembered as a charitable leader and Archie as a personal trainer and certified ski instructor.