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12
May
Inquest opens into Knaresborough man who died in avalanche
An inquest into the death of a Knaresborough man who lost his life in an avalanche in France opened this morning (May 12).
Josh Byers, 27, died at Grenoble Aples University Hospital in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region on April 17.
Senior coroner Jon Heath told the inquest at Northallerton Coroner's Court Mr Byers had been on holiday in France at the time.
Local prosecutor Benoît Bachelet previously said Mr Byers had been visiting Val Thorens, a popular ski resort in the Savoie region.
Mr Byers was buried in an avalanche at the resort. Police officers in the area were alerted by a witness and managed to pull him from the snow, when he was found in cardiac arrest.
Today’s inquest heard Mr Byers died in hospital later that day.
His provisional cause of death was attributed to asphyxia.
The inquest was adjourned to a full hearing at a later date.
Val Thorens ski resort.
'An amazing individual with a zest for life'
The Stray Ferret previously reported on a fundraising page set up to support Mr Byers’ family.
It was launched by friends of the family and, at the time of writing, has raised more than £20,000.
The fundraising page says:
Over the Easter break, Jenny and Lee Byers received heartbreaking news that their son, Josh, had lost his life in an avalanche whilst away in France. Anyone who knows the family, knows how close they are and how they would do anything for anyone in need. This is our time to help them. During the next few weeks and months, there will be costs to bring Josh home and to prepare for saying goodbye. We hope this page will allow everyone the chance to donate to reduce the financial burden on the family at such a sad time.
On May 7, a message was shared to the GoFundMe page on behalf on Mr Byers’ family.
It said:
As a family, we would like to take this moment to say thank you.
There have been so many kind words and prayers, offerings of meals and time, financial donstions, and heartfelt hugs. Every single one of these has made more of a difference to us than than you will ever know. The outpouring of love has been deeply moving and, at times, overwhelming. The power of human love and connection cannot be overstated. Josh was an amazing individual with such a zest for life. It has helped so much knowing how loved he was by so many people.
Remember him as we will - a gentle giant with a cheeky smile and usually wearing one of his many baseball caps! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
The Byers family.
The family also shared details of a celebration of Mr Byers' life, which will be held at St John’s Church in Knaresborough on May 21.
It will start at 1.30pm before moving to Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre from 3pm.
The family said everyone is welcome and invited people to bring memories of Mr Byers, such as photos, which will be added to a memory book.
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