Estelle Balet, Snowboard Champ, Pulled Dying From Avalanche

Two-time world extreme snowboard champion Estelle Balet was killed in an avalanche on Tuesday while filming a run above Orsieres, near Switzerland’s southern border with France and Italy, The Associated Press reported.

Swiss police said the 21-year-old Swiss athlete was struck by the snow slide early Tuesday morning while following another snowboarder, who wasn’t caught in the avalanche.

Valais state police said rescuers were able to free Balet, who had been wearing special safety equipment, but she died at the scene.

Balet recently won the Freeride World Tour. She was a member of watchmaker Swatch’s professional team.

Police said they have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

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