A FULL investigation into the death of a South Lakeland snowboarder found dead in a Pyrenees skiing resort is to be launched by the Andorran Consulate.

Former Dallam School, Milnthorpe, pupil Paul Rea, 24, died under a viaduct near the Envalira Tunnel after geting lost in freezing weather at Pas de la Casa.

This week his father, Philip, released a statement which said that the family was ‘utterly devastated’ by his death.

He said: “I’m very surprised that he could have put himself in that terrible situation and after travelling to the resort, I can’t understand how he got from the area of the bars to the location he was found.

“He had a fantastic outlook on life and I’ll always remember him repeating his favourite Del Boy catchphrase ‘This time next year, I’ll be a millionaire.

“He made many friends in his short life and his appetite for having fun and making people laugh was his star quality.

“He would always be there for his family and friends to listen to their problems and would go out of his way to help.

“The whole family is utterly devastated. I would like to thank all his family and friends for their kind words.”

Mr Rea was on a snowboarding holiday with his friend Brian Lowrie when the two went to a bar to watch football on the night of March 10.

After going to another bar, the two friends were separated, and Mr Rea, who worked at Sellafield, got lost in sub-zero temperatures.

A spokesman for Sellafield said: “Sellafield Ltd can confirm that Mr Rea worked on the Sellafield site as a contractor employed by Laing O’Rouke.

“On Monday Laing O’Rouke’s workforce working on the EPS3 project withdrew its labour for the day in sympathy.

“Sellafield Ltd would like to pass on its condolences to Mr Rea’s family at this sad time.”