Avalanches in Swiss Alps leave 3 dead: reports

ZURICH, Switzerland -- Police say three people were killed in several avalanche incidents in the Swiss Alps, Reuters news agency reports. A 39-year-old man skiing close to the 2,844-meter high (9,330 feet) Hofathorn mountain died after an avalanche carried him away Monday morning. He was found by friends and pronounced dead by first responders.

A 31-year-old French tourist who went missing Saturday was also found dead, Graubunden police said. He attempted to climb the Glattwang mountain alone. Officials searched for the man when he did not return and his body was found in a revine Sunday. Police believe he triggered an avalanche during his descent on the mountain.

And Swiss broadcaster SRF reports, citing police, that a 29-year-old woman died after being buried by snow drift in Wallis. The group was hiking at a height of 2,700 meters in the St. Luc region where the accident took place. One hiker broke free and made an emergency call. All three were transported to the hospital where the woman died of her injuries.