French club ‘devastated’ as ‘instrumental’ captain killed in tragic skiing avalanche
'We are devastated' - French club captain killed in tragic skiing avalanche
Quentin Philippe, the captain of Annecy-le-Vieux Rugby Club in south-east France, has sadly been killed in an avalanche in the Italian Alps.
The tragedy occurred last Sunday while the 29-year-old was skiing with friends Hugo Neuville, 31, and Alexis Rassat, 35, in Courmayeur in north-west Italy.
French publication Le Dauphiné had reported that one of the men had already passed away when first responders found them, while a second died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Annecy-le-Vieux Rugby Club statement
Philippe was a key member of the Annecy-le-Vieux squad, who play in Federale 3 – France’s 7th tier of club rugby.
“Our valiant and steadfast captain has passed away,” a club statement read.
“This Sunday, [after] a postponed league match, our player Quentin Philippe was caught in an avalanche near Courmayeur. He did not survive.
“We are devastated. Quentin, loyal to our colours for many years, had been instrumental in rebuilding the club.
“He was part of our remarkable run in the 2023/2024 season, which included the Alpes committee and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes league titles, as well as reaching the French championship semi-finals and securing promotion to Federale 3.”
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“Quentin, our strategist, always eager for stats and analysis, had been our captain since the beginning of this difficult season.
“Respectful and unifying, he knew how to motivate the Boys; he was our leader at the heart of this challenging season. Here in Glaisins, we are stunned.
“We will miss you terribly, but we know that up there, you will continue to watch over your friends and will certainly have your say. To your parents and your two brothers, we offer our sincere condolences.”
“More than a captain: a pillar, a driving force”
Tributes have since been paid to the former player on social media.
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One person commented: “Sincere condolences to his relatives, I would keep good memories of this player! RIP Soldier”
Another added: “We can feel through your words how much Quentin was more than a captain: a pillar, a driving force, a brother on the team. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and the entire club during this difficult time.”
While one person summed up the feelings of those who knew him: “What an immense loss, what sadness, what sorrow. We are in shock. He leaves an immeasurable void. My thoughts are with his brothers and parents.”