Touching tributes have been paid to the mother and son who died in an avalanche in France, after they were named as Manchester locals Kate and Archie Vokes.
Kate, 54, and Archie, 22, tragically died when an avalanche swept through an off-piste area of a ski resort near Mont Blanc.
They were found by mountain rescuers around Saint-Gervais on Thursday afternoon.
Kate was a director and Bruntwood and the sister of Bruntwood SciTech chief executive Chris Oglesby.
She was also the chair of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, established by her late father Michael Oglesby, who died in 2019.
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Archie meanwhile was a personal trainer working at local Manchester gym Form.
A family spokesperson said: “We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of our beloved, wonderful Kate and Archie.
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“Words cannot express how terrible we all feel nor the hole in our lives that has been left by this tragic accident.
“We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family.”
Kate and Archie Vokes, both from Manchester, who tragically died in an avalanche in France. Credit: Bruntwood
Bruntwood, which specialises in commercial spaces right across Greater Manchester, wrote: “We’re heartbroken to share the tragic sudden loss of Kate Vokes & her son Archie.
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“As Oglesby Charitable Trust Chair, our Non-Executive Director & sister of our CEO, Kate was loved & respected by so many. We will miss them terribly.
The Royal Exchange theatre shared: “We are absolutely devastated to hear of the death of our Deputy Chair Kate Vokes and her son Archie in such tragic circumstances.
“Kate was our dear friend, colleague and tireless supporter. She was remarkable. Our love and thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time.”
The Lowry posted: “We are incredibly sad to hear about the tragic passing of Kate Vokes, and her son Archie. Kate was a passionate supporter of and advocate for the Arts and Cultural sector, and through The Oglesby Charitable Trust supported The Lowry’s work with children and young people.”
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Absolutely shocked, heartbroken and devastated. Kate Vokes and her son Archie were both so beautiful, Kate was involved in so many organisations that have changed so many peoples lives – I am lost for words, my heart goes out to the family, friends and all who knew them both 💔😥 pic.twitter.com/sBfb3dif3F
— Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE “Ozzy” 💙 (@CarlAustinBehan) December 31, 2023
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to Kate and Archie’s family and friends on their loss.
“Kate Vokes played a significant role in Manchester and was a great champion of many social and cultural causes in our city. She was known for her passion, commitment and energy.
“Kate was someone who believed passionately in the positive social impact that business could have, and exemplified it through her work as chair of the Oglesby Charitable Trust and her involvement with charities helping children and young people in the city.
“She was also known as committed champion of culture in Manchester and across the country, through her work with the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Bruntwood Prize.
Daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to dad at centre of Salford murder investigation
Daisy Jackson
The daughter of a man who died in Salford last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘beloved dad’, who is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
44-year-old Mohamed Omar was found at an address after officers were called to Great Clowes Street at round 7.50pm on Tuesday 6 October.
He was unresponsive at the time officers arrived, and despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, died a short while later.
Five men, aged between 24 and 35-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed while enquiries continue.
Now, Mohamed’s daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, describing him as someone who could ‘light up a room’.
She said: “To my beloved Dad. You were loved so much, not just by me, but by everyone you crossed paths with.
“You worked so hard throughout your life, always giving so much of yourself to the people around you. You had an energy that could light up a room, and no matter what, you could always make someone laugh.
“No one deserves to have their life taken. You were taken from us far too soon, and it hurts knowing there was still so much more for us both to experience together. You have left a mark on us all, and it still feels surreal knowing you are gone. I wish we had more time together.
“I hope you are in a better place, resting peacefully with Nanna and Grandad. I hope you know how much I love you and that I always will. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again, Dad. From your daughter, Layla.”
Also paying tribute is one of Mohamed’s friends, who said: “I still can’t believe you’ve been taken from us. I never imagined I would have to face a world without you in it. You weren’t just my best friend; you were family, someone who held a special place in my heart that nobody could ever replace.
“My heart is broken knowing that you’re no longer here with us. There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many memories I wish we could make, and so many moments I wish I could have back.
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life, and no matter how much time passes, you will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, my best friend. Until we meet again, you will forever have a place in my heart. I love you always, and I will miss you more than words could ever explain. From your brother Lee Yassein.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police. Reports can be made via 101, the LiveChat function on our website , or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police issue urgent appeal after three-vehicle collision on M62 leaves woman ‘seriously injured’
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public following a collision involving three vehicles on the M62 over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 10:10pm this past Saturday (10 October), officers received reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M62 motorway.
A large emergency services response attended the scene – including colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), as well as GMP.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her has 60s sustained ‘serious injuries’, and at this time, she remains in hospital for treatment.
Initial police enquiries have indicated that a Mercedes van was involved in a collision with a Volvo, which subsequently collided with a Vauxhall Insignia.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and remains in custody for questioning.
While enquires are ongoing, officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward, and say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting incident number 3374 of 10/10/26.
Information can also be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Simon Brace (via Wikimedia Commons)
The Manc -
1st January 2024 
