A teenager is alleged to have left the scene of a skiing incident in Schmittenhöhe, Austria, on Saturday that left a 49-year-old man dead

00:51, Mon, Jan 26, 2026 Updated: 01:03, Mon, Jan 26, 2026

An aerial view of a town with snow-covered roofs and buildings, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains blanketed in snow

Zell am See town over the Zell lake and Alps, Austria (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A teenager allegedly departed the scene of a skiing collision that resulted in a 49 year old man's death.

The devastating incident occurred on a busy piste in Schmittenhöhe, Austria on Saturday. Schmittenhöhe ranks among the world's premier ski resorts.

Holiday-makers flock there for the 77km of slopes.

Authorities initiated a hunt for the teenager but he reportedly surrendered himself on Sunday, and is believed to be a 14 year old from Ireland, though his complete identity has not been officially disclosed.

The collision took place around 3pm on the Hirschkogel ski run, according to reports. The 49 year old and the youth are believed to have crashed at high speed.

Tragically, despite all attempts the man perished at the scene and onlookers said the lad skied away from the incident.

A police spokesperson told the Irish Independent: "A 14-year-old boy was involved in an accident on Saturday. The family got information in the media that the man died. They went to a police station in Zell am See and reported he was the other one involved in the accident.

"There was a search for the boy, as maybe he did not know the man had died. The information we have is that the boy was interviewed by police today and he made a statement at the police station but there's no further information.

A vibrant red cable car is suspended mid-air, traversing a snow-covered mountain landscape. The backdrop features majestic snow-

the red cabin of the lift in Zell am See. Winter landscape in the alps. Austria (Image: Getty Images)

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"We don't have information on what part of Ireland the boy is from but he is an Irish citizen and not from Northern Ireland. He was on holiday with his family."

The police are not yet aware of how the investigation will proceed. However, typically a police statement is issued and a court subsequently handles the case.

The spokesperson added: "People who are 14 can be brought to the court, but with this case I can't say any further information. We can't say anything further, as we haven't got any more information... The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details."

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According to reports, the public prosecutor's office ordered an autopsy to confirm how the 49 year old man died.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said "The Department is aware of reporting on a skiing accident in the Alps.

"Officials, including those in Embassy Vienna, stand ready to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens that request it."