While the lead climber, Mathias, was working out a particularly technical pitch and the third friend, Pierre (who is studying for his aspirant guide qualification), checked out what was going on, an avalanche from above swept the three off the climb. Mathias was lucky enough to stay on the surface and help dig out Pierre who survived with a leg injury. Paul Vuillermoz, from Switzerland, studying at the Chamonix high school with the goal of becoming a mountain guide, was buried in the avalanche. Despite the prompt arrival of the Swiss rescue service, Paul's body was not found until Tuesday morning.
