Asda chief’s son dies in fall from chalet roof at top ski resort

Edward De Nunzio, from Tadcaster, fell 16ft from the icy roof as he leapt between buildings in the early hours of Saturday.

The 18-year-old trainee ski-instructor had been out with a friend who escaped unharmed.

His father, ex-Asda chief executive Tony De Nunzio, paid tribute to his “hugely talented” son.

Mr De Nunzio, who has flown out to France, said: “We are absolutely devastated by this tragedy.

“Edward was in Courchevel enjoying a three-month ski instructor course.

“He was a hugely talented young man with a bright future and we are overwhelmed by what has happened.”

The teenager had three weeks left on the course which he started on January 8.

There are about 30 students on the course, which has been organised by the New Generation Ski School, and they have been offered counselling.

Company director Tom Saxlund said: “The entire team is devastated to learn of this accident. The students on the same course were very upset and shocked when they were told.

“Our thoughts are naturally with the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

A spokeswoman stressed that the firm had never before had a fatal accident in its 13-year history.

Edward studied at Bootham School and the Minster School in York and achieved three As and two A*s at A-level.

He had planned to do voluntary work in Peru later this year, before starting a geography degree at University College London in October.

French police are now working to determine the exact circumstances of his death.

Mr De Nunzio is currently non-executive director of Boots, non-executive chairman of Pets at Home and executive chairman of Maxeda, a large retailer in the Netherlands.