Ski star kills boy in tragic tractor mishap
Authorities have confirmed that former Swiss alpine ski star Paul Accola was behind the wheel of a tractor that struck and killed an eight-year-old boy earlier this week.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon as Accola was cutting a crop on his farm in Davos Platz in the canton of Graubünden, a cantonal government official confirmed.
Accola reportedly reversed his tractor into the path of the boy, who was crushed by the impact.
He was rushed by helicopter to the cantonal hospital in Chur by the Rega emergency service but succumbed to his injuries several hours later, cantonal police said.
An investigation into the tragedy has been launched, prosecutor Maurus Eckert said.
The Blick newspaper reports that Accola’s family expressed its condolences to the family of the boy.
Accola, 45, won seven World Cup skiing victories and clinched the overall World Cup in 1992.
He retired after almost two decades in the sport seven years ago.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.