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Tragic Skiing Accident Claims Life of Senior Lego Executive
A prominent Lego executive and associate of the Danish Royal Family has tragically died in a skiing accident. Michael Halbye, a key figure at Lego, was holidaying in Verbier, an exclusive resort in the Swiss Alps, when the unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, April 12.
Fatal Incident in Verbier, Swiss Alps
The 64-year-old Danish businessman sustained critical injuries in the accident at the prestigious Verbier ski location. Following the incident, he was immediately transported to a hospital via helicopter. Despite medical intervention, Mr. Halbye succumbed to internal bleeding shortly after his arrival.
Outpouring of Tributes for ‘Loyal Friend’
Widespread tributes have been offered for Mr. Halbye, remembered as a ‘loyal friend.’ He held the position of Deputy Chairman at Kirkbi, the investment entity overseeing the Lego family’s substantial financial assets and its global toy operations.
Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Chairman of both the Lego Group and Kirkbi, expressed his profound sadness at the loss of his valued colleague. He stated, ‘Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and those close to him during this difficult time.’
‘Michael will be deeply missed not only as Deputy Chairman but, more importantly, as an individual. We honour his memory.’
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Close Ties to the Danish Royal Family
Mr. Halbye maintained a long-standing friendship and close relationship with Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark. He was frequently present at royal engagements and family celebrations throughout the years.
Queen Mary conveyed a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging him as a ‘valued colleague and loyal friend.’ She described his unexpected demise while on vacation as ‘a significant personal loss’.
Reports from Danish media indicate that the royal household specifically requested Michael Halbye’s involvement when King Frederik, then Crown Prince, was being introduced to prominent figures within the Danish business sector.
The accident site was within the 4 Vallées ski area. Local news source ‘Le Nouvelliste’ reports that the specific slope where Mr. Halbye sustained his injuries is known for its challenging and steep terrain.
Second Skiing Death in Swiss Alps within Days
This incident follows the death of a British skier just one day prior. The British skier reportedly lost control on a Swiss Alps run and crashed into a river.
The 54-year-old British national, whose name has not been released to the public, was skiing on a designated route from the Kleine Scheidegg pass, at 6,800 feet, towards Brandegg, when he unexpectedly deviated from the piste.
It is believed he lost control, leaving the marked trail before falling into the Rychenbach Stream on April 11.
Fellow skiers rescued him from the water near Grindelwald and alerted emergency services. He was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Bern.
Police confirmed that he passed away in the hospital the following day due to severe injuries.
The Rychenbach Stream is notable as the setting for the fictional final confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty in ‘The Adventure of the Reichenbach Fall’.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this death.
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