ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND – A tragic avalanche near the Swiss resort of Zermatt claimed the lives of three individuals, including an American teenager, on Monday, according to local law enforcement. Additionally, one person sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The avalanche, which occurred around 2 p.m. in the off-piste region of the Riffelberg, above the resort and beneath the iconic Matterhorn peak, led to a swift and intensive rescue operation. The rescue team managed to recover three bodies and one injured skier, a 20-year-old Swiss national.
Among the deceased was a 15-year-old American boy. The identities of the other two victims, a man and a woman, are yet to be confirmed, as per the statement released by the police in the Valais canton. The authorities have not disclosed any additional information regarding the woman’s identity.
Local prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the incident, aiming to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
This incident follows a similar tragedy last month, where five members of a Swiss family lost their lives while cross-country skiing near the Matterhorn amid harsh weather conditions. Despite extensive search efforts, a sixth individual remains missing and was presumed dead after the search was called off several days later.