They were on a Christmas holiday doing what they loved, then tragedy struck

No charges are to be brought after the death of a mum and son from Manchester in an avalanche whilst on a family skiing holiday in the Alps, it has been revealed.

The deaths of Katherine, known as Kate, and Archie Vokes were a "tragic accident" a coroner has ruled today (November 27). Kate, 54, and 22-year-old Archie both died in the tragedy near Mont Blanc in France, three days after Christmas last year.

They were both rescued from the slopes following the horror in an off-piste area in the resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, however they could not be saved. Married Kate was a businesswoman who "played a significant role in Manchester" and who was also a "great champion of many social and cultural causes" in the city. Archie, who lived with the family in Didsbury, was a personal trainer.

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They were both "experienced skiers" and were "familiar with" the area where they holidaying in, inquests into their deaths at South Manchester Coroner's Court in Stockport were told. However they became "caught up" in an avalanche that struck in the area on on December 28, 2023.

After the avalanche at around 3:30pm local time, they were found after five hours of searching by 20 first responders and two helicopters, French media said at the time. The medical cause of their deaths given at the inquest was asphyxia.

Following the tragedy, local officials had said the avalanche began at an altitude of around 2,300 metres and travelled around 400 metres. They added it may have been triggered by another party of skiers at a higher altitude.

The Bonneville public prosecutor's office said a manslaughter investigation had been opened by police in nearby Chamonix. However, at the inquests this morning (Wednesday), Senior Coroner Alison Mutch said: "The French authorities have indicated they are not going to be prosecuting anyone in relation to the matters.

Adding: "It is the view of the French authorities that this appears to be a tragic accident. It’s very sad and I think just a very difficult situation for all.”

Recording conclusions of accidental death, Ms Mutch said: "It is very clear the French authorities have investigated the circumstances. The indication is there are to be no proceedings in that country.

"The evidence I have is that Katherine Vokes and Archive Vokes were experienced skiers who on the day in question were struck by an avalanche and very sadly lost their lives as the consequence of asphyxia."

She added: "I would like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to both the family of Archie and Katherine Vokes at the loss of two much loved family members, whilst doing an activity they were clearly very experienced at and gained a significant amount of enjoyment from."

No family were present at the short hearing. Following the tragedy, they said in a statement: "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of our beloved, wonderful Kate and Archie.

"Words cannot express how terrible we all feel nor the hole in our lives that has been left by this tragic accident. We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family."

A large number of other tributes were paid to them. Scunthorpe born Kate – whose maiden name as Oglesby- was a director at the family-owned Bruntwood property company. She was also chair of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, deputy chair of the Royal Exchange Theatre and a trustee of charities Shared Health and Focused Care.

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said Ms Vokes would be "very sadly missed" in the city. "This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to Kate and Archie's family and friends on their loss," she said.

"Kate Vokes played a significant role in Manchester and was a great champion of many social and cultural causes in our city. She was known for her passion, commitment and energy."

The Royal Exchange said she was a a "remarkable woman" and a '"tireless supporter" of the venue. "We are absolutely devastated to hear the news of the death of our deputy chair Kate Vokes and her son Archie in such tragic circumstances" they said.

"Kate was our dear friend, colleague and tireless supporter. She was remarkable. Our love and thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time."

Archie was a personal trainer at Form in Manchester, and in the previous year had achieved his level one ski instructor qualification in Canada.

Bruntwood said: "Kate dedicated over two decades to Bruntwood, contributing significantly in various capacities. Kate was not only a tremendous colleague, but also a nurturing mentor, a considerate friend, and a true inspiration to so many within our business.

"Archie was known by many at Bruntwood, who knew him well as a warm, welcoming and hardworking young man; a credit to Kate, her husband, Phil, and his brother, Charlie. Kate and Archie were loved and respected so much by so many and will be missed deeply by us all."