Manslaughter Investigation After British Woman Dies in Rafting Accident in French Alps

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that a British woman has died in France and it is in touch with the local authorities.

The woman had been part of an organised and guided trip on the Guisane river in the commune of Briancon.

She was on a section of the river known as ‘the wallet’ when she fell into the water.

The group was rafting on a section of the river between a park in Saint-Chaffrey and a bridge in Briançon.

She was taken by helicopter to Briancon hospital in a serious condition where was was pronounced dead.

She has not been named.

An involuntary manslaughter investigation had been opened and an autopsy is set to be conducted.

“Investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances of the accident,” said regional prosecutor, Marion Lozac’hmeur.

The prosecutor confirmed that an “involuntary manslaughter” investigation had been opened.

The river has sections of challenging rapids, and are usually navigable for two or three months in early summer, according to Briancon’s website.

Rafting in the French Alps. Image c/o PlanetSKI