A participant in the Ultra Trail of Haut-Giffre (UTHG) died on Saturday during the event, which was held in the French Alps under harsh weather conditions. The organizers expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce the accidental death of a racer. All our thoughts are with the victim’s family and relatives.”

The identity of the runner has not been disclosed. Organizers mentioned that first responders were on the scene and provided aid while awaiting transport. Due to the tragedy, the event has been canceled.

Local prosecutor Karline Bouisset informed affiliate BFMTV that four runners fell off a trail due to the slippery conditions caused by the weather. One of the fallen, a man in his 50s, died at the scene, suspected to have suffered cardiorespiratory arrest. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.

Of the remaining three runners, two men were severely injured but are in stable condition, while a woman sustained less severe injuries. All injured participants have been transported to a hospital. The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident.

The UTHG, a three-day event, was scheduled to take place from June 14 to 16 in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps. The start of the run was delayed earlier on Saturday due to “difficult weather conditions.”

Weather forecasts had warned of severe conditions for the northern French Alps early Saturday morning, including the possibility of thunderstorms, wet conditions at lower levels, and snow at higher elevations starting around 2600-2700 meters.

It is unclear how many total participants were affected by the adverse weather. Organizers stated that all participants were expected to be evacuated by Saturday afternoon.