Rugby ace, 29, killed in avalanche as two friends also die in tragic accident | Rugby | Sport
A French rugby star has been killed after being caught up in an avalanche over the weekend. Quentin Philippe, 29, who is the captain for Annecy-le-Vieux Rugby Club, had gone skiing in the Italian Alps with a group of friends.
The tragedy took place in the Alpine resort of Courmayeur, which is just at the bottom of Mont Blanc. Along with Philippe, friends Hugo Neuville, 31, and Alexis Rassat, 35, were also killed after an avalanche in the Vesses Canal claimed their lives.
An official statement from Annecy-le-Vieux RC wrote: “Our valiant and steadfast captain has passed away. This Sunday, a postponed league match, our player Quentin Philippe was caught in an avalanche near Courmayeur. He did not survive.
“We are devastated. Quentin, loyal to our colours for many years, had been instrumental in rebuilding the club. He was part of our remarkable run in the 2023/2024 season, which included the Alpes committee and Auvergne Rhone-Alpes league titles, as well as reaching the French championship semi-finals and securing promotion to Federale 3.”
The statement continued: “Quentin, our strategist, always eager for stats and analysis, had been our captain since the beginning of this difficult season. Respectful and unifying, he knew how to motivate the boys; he was our leader at the heart of this challenging season. Here in Glaisins, we are stunned.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
“We will miss you terribly, but we know that up there, you will continue to watch over your friends and will certainly have your say. To your parents and your two brothers, we offer our sincere condolences.”
It’s reported by French outlet Le Dauphine that one member of the trio was pronounced dead upon being found by the first responders, while a second passed away shortly after being taken to hospital. The third died on Monday after suffering with hypothermia and entering cardiac arrest.
