WEDS PM: Former Greenhead College student dies on French skiing trip

Jan 14 2009 By Andrew Jackson

Professor Ed Corrigan, principal of Collingwood College, said: "Everyone in Collingwood is shocked by Rachel’s tragic death.

"She was a bright, popular student, who was academically talented and enjoyed participating in sport and other college activities.

"She will be missed by all of us. We extend our deeply felt sympathy to her family and to her many friends.

"Students who have been affected by this incident are being offered support and access to professional counselling through our college and university student support services."

On the Piste, based in Withington, Manchester, said in a statement: ``The police have confirmed that the incident was an accidental death and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and we will be supporting them in any way we can.

"Our staff are doing everything possible to assist the family and local authorities.

"Senior managers are in-resort to accompany the family in addition to supporting local staff and customers who may have been affected."

Miss Ward’s parents have travelled to Val d’Isere, where they are being assisted by British consular officials.

The student’s death came just days after two young British friends were killed in a climbing accident in the French Alps.

On Saturday Rob Gauntlett, 21, the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, and James Atkinson, also 21, plunged to their deaths in the Chamonix region on a route on the east face of Mont Blanc.