Oxford Uni Student Dies In French Alps

5 December 2016, 07:58 | Updated: 5 December 2016, 10:58

A student has died in the French Alps during a Varsity trip with students from Oxford and Cambridge University.

An Oxford University student has died during a Varsity trip to the French Alps.

The annual event has taken place with students from Cambridge and Oxford Uni since the 1920's.

It's reported that a 22 year old was found unconscious by his friends in their accommodation yesterday morning in the ski resort of Val Thorens.

It was after the first night of their trip.

Friends and family have paid tribute to Matt Smith online, who is thought to be the person who has died. Formal identification hasn't taken place yet.

His brother Harry wrote on Facebook: `I love you so much, Matt. Rest well above the clouds.'

One friend wrote on Facebook: `Still don't believe it, he was taken far too soon. We all thought he was invincible. I'll always love you Matt and I hope you're resting better now. You'll forever be one of my oldest and greatest friends.'

The University of Oxford has released a statement:

`We would like to express our deep sadness at the tragic death, and send our condolences to his family and friends.

`While we await the findings of the official investigation we are offering support to students who may have been affected.

`Members of the College were invited to gather yesterday to remember him, and any member of the College who is particularly affected by this sad news has been encouraged to contact the chaplain or any member of the welfare team.'

The foreign office said:

`We are supporting the family of a British national who died in France on December 4. We are in contact with the local authorities.'