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President of a Portes du Soliel lift company dies in Morzine
Gerald Avanthay dies of a heart attack
Late yesterday afternoon Gerald Avanthay, president of the board of the Champéry lift company, died of a heart attack while skiing on the slopes of Morzine.
According to reports Gerald Avanthay went skiing after a meeting with colleagues in Morzine and had an initial fall on the slopes, possibly a precursor of events to follow, when he later suffered a fatal heart attack - he was 67.
The ski patrol arrived on the scene but Gerald was already dead and after a medical examination, the doctor confirmed a heart attack was cause of death.
Gerald was a key figure in the Portes du Soleil, he started off his career as director of the Champery ski school before opening a hotel in Champery with his wife.
Georges Coquillard, president of the Portes du Soleil, told reporters; "He was a great man, very open and calm. He was also very dynamic and contributed a lot to the Portes du Soleil."
On Saturday, Gerald was in Chatel for the official opening of the new Rochassons chairlift. He was also due to be hosting the opening of his latest project: the new Grand-Conche chairlift, a detachable six-seater, providing a liaison with Avoriaz.
Gerald Avanthay will be sorely missed in the Portes du Soliel, and our thoughts go his friends and family.
