Ski chalet rep fell 320ft to his death down French Alps ravine

A British ski chalet rep who died after falling 320ft down a ravine in the French Alps had been drinking, an inquest has heard.

According to the hearing, 27-year-old Jamie Rolfe had shared a bottle of wine, several pints and shots with a friend in Les Deux Alpes ski resort in France, before walking to the 'Edge of the World' ravine, where he fell.

According to the Daily Echo, Mr Rolfe, from the Isle of Wight, had gone out with his friend to two bars and a nightclub and continued partying at his friend's house, leaving at 4.30am.

A search operation was launched when friends and flatmates had not heard from him the next day.

The Daily Mail reports that his body was found 50 to 200 feet down the steep Venosc Combe Noire ravine.

Assistant Coroner Hugh Calloway told the hearing: "This is an absolutely tragic death. It is easy to see Jamie was obviously a much-loved person who enjoyed what he did and died doing it."

Mr Rolfe's parents said they were "shocked and devastated" by their "lively, free spirit" son's death.

The 'Edge of the World' ravine, or Black Coombe, offers beautiful views - but it has claimed the lives of at eight other people in the past few years.

In 2009, two British holidaymakers fell hundreds of feet to their deaths at the same spot after a night out in the French ski resort. And in January 2011, a young British man fell down the same ravine after an all-night party.

The sides of the mountain are extremely steep and have few barriers.

Related articles

British hiker plunges 330ft to her death in French Alps

Missing British grandmother found dead in French Alps