No Charges Pressed in Cavagnoud's Death
Austrian prosecutors are not charging anyone in the October 29, 2001, accident that led to the death of French World Cup skier Regine Cavagnoud. The then-reigning super-G champion was training on Austria's Pitzal Glacier when she collided with Markus Anwander, a German trainer. Cavagnoud was traveling in excess of 60 mph when the two made contact. She never regained consciousness, and died two days after the accident. Anwander suffered serious injuries and remained in a coma for almost two weeks.
Officials blame the accident on miscommunication between the two teams. Anwander, two other German trainers involved in that day's practice, and French trainers Xavier Fournier and David Fine were all considered suspects by Austrian investigators. Though no one will face charges in Austria, France will continue investigations against Fournier and Fine. -Jackie Baker