A former London-educated banker and newly elected councillor, Jean-Vincent Moix, along with five others, have died in a tragic incident in the Swiss Alps, emphasizing the dangers of mountaineering.
In a tragic incident in the Swiss Alps, Jean-Vincent Moix, a former banker, London-educated councillor, and five other individuals perished after freezing to death during a storm. The disaster occurred as the group, ranging in age from 21 to 58, embarked from Zermatt with the intention of reaching Arolla near the iconic Matterhorn mountain. The mayor of Vex, Sebastien Menoud, expressed profound sorrow over Moix’s passing, highlighting the significant loss felt by his family and community. Moix, a passionate mountaineer, had recently been elected as a councillor in Vex and was remembered for his generous and selfless nature.
The group, described as experienced skiers, attempted to survive the storm by constructing a snow cave but ultimately succumbed to the severe cold. Among the victims was Police Captain Marc Moix, highlighting the tragic impact of the event on the local community. Efforts by authorities to locate the group were hindered by the stormy conditions.
This incident occurred as the group was traversing between Zermatt and Arolla, near the Italian border. The skiers, from the Valais region and Fribourg in western Switzerland, met their fate despite setting out in favorable conditions, as weather rapidly deteriorated. A distress call from one skier had prompted a swift response from search teams, but difficult weather conditions obstructed their efforts.
The search for one missing individual continued, with the use of mobile networks aiding in identifying the group’s location. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions hampered the search efforts. This tragic event underlines the inherent risks of mountaineering in the Alpine region, reminiscent of past accidents in the area. Tributes and messages of condolence have been extended to Moix and the other victims, mourning the loss experienced by their families and the wider community.