British schoolboy, 14, dies after losing control and smashing into tree on family holiday in Italy

A 14-year-old British boy has died in a skiing accident while on holiday with his family in northern Italy.

The boy was skiing the Falzarego intermediate red run in Cortina d’Ampezzo when he lost control and crashed into a tree, according to local media.

Despite the efforts of paramedics to save his life, the boy was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The boy is understood to have been wearing a helmet while on the slope.

The accident reportedly happened at around 9.30am on Saturday in the area of Lagazoui.

Witnesses claim the boy had picked up speed before hitting a dip in the slope that thrust him forward, sending him crashing into a tree.

Francesco Cataldo Giorgi, of the Happy Ski school in Cortina, told the Corriere Del Veneto: “The boy had gained a lot of speed, found a dip that was a sort of boost for him, he was no longer able to control the descent and crashed into the tree.

“It was very bad luck. If he had fallen a few meters earlier or later, nothing would have happened.

“Unfortunately, in this sport, a fall in the wrong place is enough to lose your life.”

The boy’s parents are receiving psychological support as they prepare to repatriate their son’s body to the UK.

According to local media, an investigation has been launched to establish the exact circumstances of the tragedy.