Val d’Isere, France – A British skier employed by tour operator Crystal Ski died last week after colliding with a snowmaking gun lining a ski run in Val d’Isere.

Thomas Lynch, 22, of Leicestershire in the U.K., was enjoying a day off skiing with friends at the resort in France’s Savoie region when the incident occurred around noon on March 20. His friends called for assistance, but a doctor declared Lynch dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time,” officials with Crystal Ski, for whom Lynch also worked in the French resorts of Meribel and La Plagne, said in a prepared statement.