Michael Schumacher was clearly off trail when he fell, say investigators
Problems with Formula One champion's skis, trail conditions and signage have been ruled out
Two minutes of footage from a camera on Michael Schumacher's ski helmet showed the Formula One great was clearly skiing off a groomed trail when he lost his balance and crashed, leaving him with critical head injuries, investigators said yesterday.
The investigators said they ruled out problems with his skis, trail conditions and signage.
Although they would not estimate Schumacher's speed, they said it was not considered a significant factor in the December 29 crash at the Meribel resort in the French Alps.
It was an accident that could have happened to anyone
Schumacher, 45, the most successful Formula One driver in history, is in a medically induced coma at a hospital in Grenoble. The impact of the crash split his helmet in two, and doctors have said the protective gear had saved his life.
His pace was completely normal for a skilled skier
Lieutenant Colonel Benoit Vinneman.
Prosecutor Patrick Quincy said experts still needed to go through the footage image by image, but he said Schumacher landed 9 metres outside the marked trail after falling face down and striking his head on a rock.
