Anna Hartz
Tragic End to Ski Trip for Top LEGO Leader
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Taking a break in the snowy mountains can be the perfect way to recharge. For many, the quiet of a ski resort offers a rare pause from everyday life.
But for one Danish executive, a weekend getaway ended in tragedy.
Michael Halbye, 64, died in a skiing accident last weekend in the Swiss Alps.
He was the deputy manager of Kirkbi, the Danish holding company that owns a major share of LEGO.
Halbye had long been involved in the company and was considered one of its key figures.
According to Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, the accident happened on Saturday in the ski resort of Verbier.
Halbye was skiing down the Chassoure mountain. At some point during his descent, he lost control. He was reportedly moving at high speed when he crashed.
Rushed to Hospital
Rescue teams arrived quickly and got him to a nearby hospital. But despite their efforts, he didn’t survive.
The doctors confirmed that he died the same day. The cause was severe internal bleeding caused by the fall.
Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, CEO of Kirkbi, shared the sad news in a statement. He described Halbye as both a respected colleague and a personal friend.
He said that Halbye had left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.
Devoted to Charity Work
Beyond his corporate career, Halbye was also involved in charity work. He worked closely with Queen Mary of Denmark through the Mary Foundation.
The foundation focuses on tackling social issues like loneliness, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges.
Halbye was not just a businessman. He was someone who cared about people and gave his time to causes that mattered.
His death is being felt not only in the business world, but also by the Danish royal family and the many people he helped through his work.
His passing marks the loss of a dedicated leader, a generous supporter of social change, and a well-liked figure both in and outside the boardroom.