A father of two was killed in a horror accident while skiing.

Grahame Carter, from Westhampnett, Chichester, was on holiday with his family and friends in Champery, Switzerland when he died on February 7 this year.

The 47-year-old sales officer has “left behind an enormous legacy”, his company said.

An inquest into his death was opened on Wednesday by senior coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Penelope Schofield.

Coroner’s officer Joshua Smith read a statement to the hearing at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton which said: “Mr Carter was skiing and had an accident on a ski slope and sadly died as a result of his injuries.

Mr Carter was formally identified by his wife Roma Margerita Carter, an occupational therapist.

Dr Mark Whitaker carried out a postmortem at Worthing Hospital on February 26. 

Mr Smith said: “Dr Whitaker gave the provisional cause of death as traumatic injury caused by an accident while skiing.”

Mr Carter worked as a sales officer at Gattaca in Fareham, Hampshire.

His employer paid a heartfelt tribute to him and said he had “an infectious passion for life”.

Matthew Wragg, chief executive officer at Gattaca, said: “It is hard to put into words how loved and respected Grahame was.

“He joined us over 20 years ago in 2001 and leaves behind an enormous legacy.
 
“If you knew Grahame, you’ll know how warm, kind, funny, caring and generous he was.

“Everyone at Gattaca will miss him terribly and cherish the many wonderful memories we shared with him. 
 
“All our love goes to Grahame’s family and friends at this unimaginable time.”

Ms Schofield said: “I am satisfied this was an unnatural death. It occurred overseas but he has been repatriated to West Sussex, therefore we have jurisdiction.”

The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to be held on September 10 this year.