A top Lego executive and friend of the Danish royal family has died following a tragic skiing accident in Switzerland.
Michael Halbye, 64, was holidaying at Verbier's exclusive Swiss Alps resort when tragedy struck on Saturday, April 12.
The Danish financier served as Deputy Chairman of Kirkbi, the investment firm that manages the Lego family's multi-billion-euro fortune and controls the global toy empire.
He was airlifted to hospital by helicopter following the accident but died from internal bleeding shortly after arrival.
He was airlifted to hospital by helicopter following the accident but died from internal bleeding shortly after arrival
The incident has prompted an outpouring of tributes from both business associates and royal connections.
The accident occurred in the 4 Vallées ski area, according to Swiss newspaper Le Nouvelliste. The slope where Halbye was injured is known for being both steep and difficult.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, with a helicopter dispatched to transport him to the nearest medical facility, however despite these efforts, he succumbed to internal bleeding shortly after reaching hospital.
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Lego chairman Thomas Kirk Kristiansen expressed his grief at the loss of his trusted deputy, saying: "Our thoughts and care go out to Michael's family and loved ones."
"We will miss Michael as Deputy Chairman, but first and foremost as a person. Honour to his memory."
Queen Mary of Denmark also paid tribute, describing Halbye as a "valued colleague and loyal friend."
She called his sudden death whilst on holiday "a great personal loss."
The accident occurred in the 4 Vallées ski area
VERBIER
Halbye had been a long-time friend and confidant of Queen Mary and King Frederik, regularly attending royal events and family celebrations over the years.
The friendship between Halbye and the Danish royals began when King Frederik, then Crown Prince, needed an introduction to Denmark's business community, according to Danish media reports.
The royal house specifically requested Michael Halbye's assistance during this period.
His death comes just one day after another skiing fatality in Switzerland, in which a 54-year-old British skier died on April 11 after losing control on a piste from the Kleine Scheidegg pass toward Brandegg.
The unnamed Briton veered off the marked slope and fell into the Rychenbach Stream near Grindelwald.
Despite being rescued by fellow skiers and airlifted to hospital in Bern, he died from multiple injuries the following day.
