French Alps tragedy as British skier dies after plunging to his death from cliff

His devastated family, including mother Karen and her partner Andy, dad Nick and sister Kennedy, have travelled from their homes in York to France where they have paid tribute to a beloved brother and son.

Mum Karen said: “The most important thing for us is that Jordan was with his friends. He was skiing, doing what he loved.”

They described him as a high achiever as well as keen sportsman, and said he dreamt of joining the forces as an officer after his time in Alpe d’Huez.

Writing on Facebook, Kennedy thanked family and friends for their support as the family struggles to come to terms with the loss.

Jordan previously attended St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School, All Saints RC School, Tadcaster Grammar School and York College.

Teachers at All Saints said Jordan is “fondly remembered” at the school.

A school spokesman said: “As a school we were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the recent and tragic death of our former student, Jordan Waugh.

“He is very fondly remembered by the current staff at school who knew him. They spoke of a young man who contributed to the full life of the school and always seemed to have a smile on his face.

“We would like to extend our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to Jordan’s family and friends at this most challenging time.”

His family say Jordan fell from a cliff in the ski resort after he tried to help his friend who had got into difficulties off-piste.

He and his two friends were all experienced skiers, and had met while working for holiday company VIP Ski.

The ski company has confirmed three of its staff were involved in the accident, and said that while one is still in intensive care at a local hospital, her injuries are not life threatening, and the third was unhurt.

Managing director Andy Sturt added: “Our efforts are currently concentrated on providing unlimited support and assistance to the victims of the accident, their colleagues and most importantly, the family of the deceased, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathies and wholehearted condolences.

“We ask that their privacy is respected during this extremely difficult time.”

After school and college in York, Jordan headed to Northumbria University and in 2016 gained a first-class honours degree in Sports Management followed by an MSc in International Business Management, with distinction.

Besides his academic success, he was project manager for Durham’s Dragon Boat Festival in 2016, headed to Nayang Polytechnic in Singapore for an internship, and played an active part in the Great North Run Opening Ceremony in 2014.

His family has also described him as a keen sportsman who volunteered as a coach at York City Hockey Club, and helped build a classroom at a primary school in Tanzania.