Mountain Guide in Court After Fatal Avalanche

29th January 2025

He was charged with involuntary manslaughter after four clients died.

The prosecution has urged for a two-year suspended sentence.

The court identified him as 68-year old, Lionel C.

The accident happened in 2018 in Mercantour when the avalanche risk was at Level 4 – ‘High’.

The court heard how a first avalanche hit his clients and then a second avalanche struck him and he was taken down the slope “like in a washing machine”.

The prosecutor has requested a two-year suspended prison sentence, a ban on practicing as a mountain guide and a fine of €1,500.

The judgment was adjourned until March 17th.

See more here from La Dauphine.