An horrific toboggan tragedy that killed a gifted Raynes Park teenager and left an entire school devastated was the result of negligence on behalf of an Austrian farmer who failed to ensure safety, a coroner ruled last week.

Nasreen Jamalzadeh, 15, was visiting Zell am See in Austria with Ursuline High School when she died after losing control of her sledge on February 19 last year.

The popular teenager, who was not wearing a crash helmet, died from multiple head injuries after colliding with a tree on a toboggan run owned by Albert Schernthaner.

The inquest heard how Mr Schernthaner was convicted of negligent homicide in Austria on March 18 this year after he failed to provide safety on the toboggan run. He was given a two-month suspended jail sentence. Recording a verdict of negligent homicide in accordance with the penal code of Austria, Westminster coroner Dr Paul Knapman ruled neither the school nor the firm who organised the trip, Club Europe, were to blame for the grave accident.

He told the court: "I think there is no criticism that can be laid at the feet of any of the witnesses who have given evidence today. Obviously this has come as a terrible tragedy."

Nasreen's family were not at the hearing. However her mother, Brenda, said in a statement: "She was very ambitious, caring and loving towards family and friends."

Dr Neil Calvert, headteacher of Ursuline High School, said after the verdict: "We hope the inquest will represent some type of closure for the family and friends of Nasreen and that it will help the healing process."

July 9, 2002 10:00