Tributes paid to ‘wonderful, kind’ York man, 23, killed in skiing accident

A York family has paid tribute to their beloved son and brother, who died in a skiing accident in the French Alps.

Jordan Waugh, 23, fell from a cliff in the resort of Alpe d’Huez, after trying to help his friend who had got into difficulty as they were venturing off-piste.

Jordan and the two friends he was with were experienced skiers who met whilst working at the resort.

His family, including mum Karen and her partner Andy, dad Nick and sister Kennedy, travelled to France after the accident.

Jordan was hugely popular and well known in York, partly through his work as a bar manager at the family businesses, Sotano Charcuterie and Bar and Kennedy’s in Little Stonegate.

Many achievements

Jordan, a former pupil at St Wilfrid’s Primary, Tadcaster Grammar, All Saints School and York College, was a high achiever.

In 2016, he gained a first-class honours degree in Sports Management from Northumbria University, followed by an MSc in International Business Management from the same university, which he achieved with distinction last year.

Jordan’s dream was applying to join the forces as an officer after his time at Alpe d’Huez.

Amongst his many achievements, Jordan was project manager for the Durham Dragon Boat Festival in 2016.

He completed an internship at Nayang Polytechnic in Singapore, and played an active part in the Great North Run Opening Ceremony in 2014.

A keen sportsman, Jordan also undertook voluntary work, including coaching at York City Hockey Club.

And he helped build a classroom at a primary school in Tanzania.

‘A pure soul’

Jordan was “much-loved” said his sister Kennedy in a post on Facebook. “Jordan had the kindest heart anyone would ever come across,” she wrote.

And the many tributes left by his friends only underlined how true that was.

“He was truly a wonderful, kind and gorgeous person. I’m heartbroken and so sad for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him as he will be missed so much,” said Sarah Redwood.

Lisa Barrett described Jordan as “a pure soul” while Chris Lone said he was “an absolute gent”.

“Our sadness at the loss of a lovely boy who became the most fantastic young man is only dimmed a little by remembering him giving us the best hugs and the brightest smiles of anyone we know and will never forget,” wrote Linda Brind.

And Jenny Osborne said: “Jordan was a gorgeous young man, who lived life to the full, always caring and thinking of others.”

Thoughts are with the family

According to a spokesman at the gendarme mountain rescue unit in Grenoble, France, the three skiers encountered difficulty in the conditions after going off piste on Saturday morning (February 24).

They took off their skis to attempt to climb upwards, spokesman Francois Bepol said.

However, it was “very steep and icy” and two of the three men fell from a cliff.

Tragically Jordan died at the scene. The second skier who fell was injured, but survived. The third was unharmed.

The Foreign Office issued a statement confirming a British person had died in the mountains at the weekend.

“Following the death of a British National in the French Alps, we are providing consular support to the family,” the statement said.

“We remain in close contact with local authorities. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”