Injured British Snowboarder 'Will Need Miracle to Survive'

A young British snowboarder injured in a horrific opening day snowboarding accident at the Grands Montets is critically ill in hospital and unlikely to recover from her injuries.

Emily Watts, 26 - known as Mimi - had just moved to Chamonix before the terrible accident occurred on Saturday. She was riding just off the side of the piste when she fell headfirst into a 5ft hole covered by snow and suffered a heart attack. Reports suggest that she landed face down and lay unconscious for 45 minutes during which time her brain was partially starved of oxygen which triggered cardiac arrest.

Miss Watts was airlifted to hospital in Annecy and was joined by her family on Monday who flew from the UK to be at her bedside. She is reported to be brain dead and it is only a matter of time before her life-support machine will be turned off. 

Our thoughts are with Miss Watts, her family and friends.