In brief
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the Guisane River in Briancon, southeastern France, where the woman fell from her raft and was later found unresponsive on the riverbank. She was airlifted to a hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries later that evening. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is currently underway.
A British woman has died following a rafting mishap in the French Alps, on the Guisane River in Briancon. The accident took place shortly after noon local time on Saturday, as the woman was part of an arranged expedition traversing a notoriously challenging section of the river known as "the wallet." According to Marion Lozac'hmeur, the regional prosecutor, she fell from her raft during the trip. Emergency responders located her on the riverbank, and she was subsequently airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. Tragically, she passed away later that evening.The Foreign Office has confirmed the incident and is coordinating with local authorities regarding the case. Her identity has not yet been disclosed by either French or UK authorities. An investigation into "involuntary manslaughter" has been launched, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the specifics surrounding her death.This incident highlights the dangers associated with white-water rafting, particularly in the area, which is known for its challenging rapids fed by glacial meltwater each spring. Last year, a similar occurrence resulted in the death of a British man on the nearby River Durance, underscoring the risks involved in these popular outdoor activities.
