An 18-year-old student is feared dead after a huge 50ft avalanche buried her on a school skiing trip - with rescue teams just finding her backpack.
Emily Franciose, from Colorado, US, who attends the prestigious boarding school Ecole d'Humanité, was on a school trip to the Bernese Alps when she was left trapped under a 2,000ft-wide avalanche on the Gstelliwang slope in Bern, Switzerland.
She and her classmate, an 18-year-old British boy, were skiing on Tuesday when the tragic accident struck.
Tragically, the boy was announced dead before emergency services could get to him.
Police said the avalanche stretched more than 2,500ft in length with Swiss rescue teams finding Emily's backpack.
However, following a lengthy search her body has not been found.
Authorities believe there is "no chance of survival" as her family have been told the recovery of her body may have to wait until Spring due to the conditions.
According to her friends, Emily was documenting her trip on social media up until March 17 as she posted regular pictures of her trip.
Teachers at the school paid tribute to the 18-year-old British student, who has not been identified by officials.
They were "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.
The school said in a statement: “The very experienced group had taken the necessary precautions for a ski tour in advance. In particular, the current avalanche bulletin was taken into account and all persons were equipped with avalanche transceivers.
"Despite these measures, an avalanche broke loose and buried two students.
“Search and rescue efforts began immediately and the remaining group members were brought to safety. For an 18-year old British student of our school, unfortunately, any help came too late.
"The official search for the second student, who was from the USA, had to be interrupted at around 7.30pm on March 21 and was continued the next day.
“We regret this terrible accident and are deeply saddened. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all students, their families and relatives.”
There was a search sent out for Emily but it was halted at around 7.30pm on Tuesday - with officials continuing the search the next day.
Swiss Alpine Rescue Rega crews, Swiss Alpine Rescue, several Rega, Air-Glaciers, mountain specialists and other employees of the Bern canton police and the Canton of Bern Care Team were dispatched to look for the missing student.
However, the search was called off on Wednesday.
The school has pledged to help classmates who have been affected by the tragedy.
They said: "There are also people present for psychological care, including individual grief counseling. This comprehensive assistance will continue until students depart.'"
