Emotional tribute to British skier, 47, killed in horror plunges down world's toughest slope called Swiss Wall

EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a British skier who died in a horror dive down the world's 'hardest' slope.

Grahame Carter, 47, from Chichester, West Sussexis considered to have been to ski along the infamous steep Swiss wall at Portes du Soleil near Champery, Switzerlandwhen disaster struck.

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Swiss police said the infamous Pas De Chavanette piste – known as one of the most dangerous slopes in the world – was closed at the time due to dangerous icy conditions.

Father-of-two Grahame, who was on holiday with family and friends, was pronounced dead on Wednesday, February 7, after falling about 300 meters on a 37-degree slope.

Despite attempts at first aid, he died on the spot at approximately 9:45 a.m. Swiss time (8:45 a.m. GMT).

Grahame had worked as Chief Sales Officer at recruitment agency Gattaca in Whiteley, near Fareham, Hantsand was described as having an “infectious passion for life”.

Matthew Cragg, CEO, said in a statement: “If you knew Grahame, you know how warm, friendly, funny, caring and generous he was.

“He had an infectious passion for life and was more than a respected leader within our company – he was a dear friend to many, including myself.

“Everyone at Gattaca will miss him terribly and cherish the many wonderful memories we shared with him.

“All our love goes out to Grahame's family and friends at this unimaginable time.

“We kindly ask that you respect them as they cope with their loss, as well as our Gattaca colleagues and Grahame's customers.

“This is an extremely challenging time for everyone who knew Grahame, and we will do everything we can to support Grahame's family and friends, as well as our colleagues.

“As soon as we are able to do so, prioritizing the wishes of his family at every opportunity, we will share details of our plans to honor Grahame's life.

“With our deepest condolences, on behalf of everyone at Gattaca.”

The message has been shared with LinkedIn and sparked more than 400 responses from those offering their tributes to Grahame.

That includes his wife Roma Carter, with whom he shared son Harry and daughter Evie, as she thanked his colleagues for “making us smile, laugh and cry at the same time” with their comments.

She wrote: “It's so clear how much he was loved.

“He was very easy to love: crazy and boisterous, kind and gentle and the best listener. And excellent at teaching everyone Ice Ice Baby!

“I was lucky to have him in my life for over 25 years – from the 90s I worked together at The Wine Vaults (it was the 90s – he had very impressive sideburns. He drove his old Saab and I drove my Morris Minor) to this day he has remained true to his values.

“He treated everyone equally and made us all feel special and cherished. He was the best husband to me and the best father to Harry and Evie.

“I'm grateful for all these years – I wish we could have grown old together – we had so many new adventures planned in the years to come.

“Harry, Evie and I will work to continue to make him proud and recognize the value of every day.”

Police and rescue services in Swiss Alps launched an investigation into Grahame's fatal fall.

A Swiss police spokesman said at the time: “There were two skiers and a snowboarder. They were on a closed track.

“It's an extreme run, the hardest. It's very, very steep. Due to the icy conditions it was closed.

“An investigation is underway. The man fell hundreds and hundreds of feet, 300 to 400 feet down the slope.

“The victim was a 47-year-old British national living in England who died at the scene of the accident. He must have been on vacation.

“We are not providing any information about the other two people.”

Mr. Carter was the third British die in ski-related incidents within a fortnight thereafter a 30-year-old died after a “heavy fall” And a man, 63, had a heart attack – both in France.

The Office for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) said it is supporting the family of a British national who died in Switzerland and is liaising with local authorities.