Tragic loss at CERN
Tragic loss at CERN
The CERN community is mourning the tragic loss of two members of the CERN Ski Club. On Sunday, April 12, an avalanche buried four out of five skiers, taking part in a ski touring in the region of the Becs de Bosson in Valais (CH). The fifth skier, who had not been buried in the snow, courageously managed to save two of the skiers, but Hervé Milcent, 49 years, federal ski instructor, and Mattieu Cattin, 33 years, were buried under two to three meters of snow, far down the avalanche slope, and did not survive, despite the fast arrival of the mountain rescue.
In its 40 years of existence, the CERN Ski Club, one of the biggest in the Geneva area, has never been confronted with such a tragedy. The passing of Hervé and Matthieu has deeply shocked and saddened all volunteers of the Club as well as the entire alpine community.
The ski touring section of the club would like to honour its friend Hervé, who joined the club in 1998. In 2003 he became responsible for the ski touring section of the CERN Ski Club. Hervé was very involved in putting emphasis on ski security, and it was he who started the annual safety day for all members. Hervé was nominated President of the CERN Ski Club in 2007, and during the two subsequent mandate periods of three years each, he renewed and improved the statutes of the club, and was always available, generous but also serious. During these six years, he remained active as instructor for ski touring, and did not hesitate to propose innovating excursions. In 2013, he managed to pass the test to be second level ski instructor.
Hervé was appreciated by everyone, and managed to create a friendly atmosphere. It is difficult to say goodbye to a friend, with whom we have shared so many intense and splendid moments. Mattieu Cattin worked in the BE Department and was very appreciated by his colleagues. Deeply touched by the tragedy which hit our Organisation and in particular the Ski Club, we present our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Hervé and Matthieu.
