Jean-François Ballester has passed away

[Enchanted]

This information was on Swiss news today. He had a heart attack.

https://www.arcinfo.ch/articles/spo...CaP5eR715ZrxQ_6Xkh43WwRgO_YPmnjJYENW7oe6VRFL4

May he rest in peace.

 

[kirkbiggestfan]

I can't believe it. So young! Life sux.

 

[AYS]

Oh no. I didn't know who this was by the name, but now that I see the picture, I certainly remember his emotion in the K&C when S/M won their Olympic and World golds last year. What a tragedy. My condolences to his loved ones.

 

[Sylvia]

Google translation of this terrible news (article posted by @Enchanted):

A terrible news is shaking the world of skating and sport, Jean-François Ballester died Sunday night. CP's French teacher La Chaux-de-Fonds collapsed at home after returning from an international competition in Tallinn (Estonia).

Jean-François Ballester (53) died on Sunday night in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The French teacher Mélèzes suffered a heart attack in his home after returning from an international competition held this weekend in Tallinn (Estonia).
As a reminder, Jean-François Ballester has been the teacher of many international skaters during his brilliant career. This Normand who arrived at the Mélèzes in 2014 had celebrated an Olympic title with the couple formed by Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot during the last Winter Olympics in South Korea. Bruno Massot has become his assistant at CP La Chaux-de-Fonds this season.

See also: Our last article on Jean-François Ballester [published on Nov. 13.; photo of him with Massot]

Obviously, this terrible news upsets the world of Swiss and world skating. A true character in his sport, Jean-François Ballester was an endearing and passionate man. He leaves a great void behind him.
Public tribute
Vice-president of CP La Chaux-de-Fonds, Véronique Hintzy announces that this Wednesday evening (19h) a public man will be returned to Jean-François Ballester at the restaurant of the Melezes ice rink.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

So upsetting. My condolences to all his loved ones.

 

[Colonel Green]

And coming off his students’ Tallinn win too. Now that’s a miserable coda to a fine competition.

R.I.P., and thanks for his contributions to the sport.

 

[clairecloutier]

How very sad. He was so young for this to happen--only 53. Bruno was coaching together with him, right? What a loss for Bruno, his students, and of course his family.

 

[MsZem]

Oh no, how sad... he could have done so much more in figure skating, and I'm sure much more off the ice as well.

I hope his family, friends and skaters have all the support they need during such a sad and difficult time.

 

[text_skate]

Unbelievable. And so sad . To leave this world 53 y-o. He will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

 

[Colonel Green]

Bruno was coaching together with him, right?

Yes, he and Bruno were coaching Miriam and Severin, the Austrian team.

 

[Sylvia]

And coming off his students’ Tallinn win too. Now that’s a miserable coda to a fine competition.

R.I.P., and thanks for his contributions to the sport.

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 (Ballester was with Ziegler/Kiefer at Tallinn Trophy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q9lVzgAa_E&t=6m50s

ETA:

Ted Flett interviewed Ballester & Alexander Konig at 2017 Worlds in Helsinki (25 mins.): https://goldenskate.com/2017/04/interview-coaches-alexander-konig-jean-francois-ballester/

 

[Catherine M]

That is very sad news for his family, friends, colleagues and skaters.

May he rest in peace.

 

[Coco]

Very shocking and so sad...

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

So sad to see this. He was on TV too quite often in the K&C.

May He rest in Peace!!!!!

 

[Emerald66]

I know Bruno was close with him since he was younger and had a positive influence. This is so saddening. I absolutely loved watching Jean-Francios and Alexander Konig's reactions at the boards when Aliona and Bruno performed. They cared a lot for them and were always so supportive. What a great coaching team they were! Rip to Mr. Ballester and condolences to his family. He accomplished great things.

 

[Finnice]

What a sad news! I had the pleasure to talk to him a c.ouple of times. Such a nice guy. R.I.P.

 

[Carina]

No, no , he was too young to die. Heartbroken for Bruno and Aliona RIP.

 

[kwanfan1818]

May he rest in peace, and my condolences to his family, friends, and students.

 

[kittysk8ts]

Oh no. What a shame. Condolences to everyone. I will never forgot watching them watching Bruno and Aljona skate. One of my favourite moments from the Games.

 

[SlavicaK]

I didn't know him personally, but I saw him interact with some of his young skaters in Swiss regional competitions, and, of course, with Aljona and Bruno and his other international skaters on TV. He seemed to be a very nice person, and the fact that he died so suddenly and so young really saddens me.

 

[kittyjake5]

This is terrible news. My condolences to his family, friends and students. He will be missed.

RIP

 

[Josh78]

So very sad and sudden -- life is just so fragile..

 

[annie_mg]

Oh my God, so sad?! At least he got to see his students win Olympic gold this year. He always seemed like such a nice guy. What a tragic loss. Poor Bruno, he was like his mentor...

 

[skatfan]

Such sad news. I'm sure S&M are devastated along with the other skaters and coaches.

 

[Ananas Astra]

Devastating. I always liked him in the KnC.
May he rest in peace!

 

[starrynight]

This is dreadfully sad. What a loss of a great talent.

The work he did with Aljona and Bruno was amazing. Aljona looked the best she ever did in her whole career when she was working with Jean-Francois and his coaching team (plus the huge rise of Bruno).

How shocking it is when a person right in the middle of their lives is suddenly taken away.

 

[3Lz+3Lo]

So sad to see this

 

[cocotaffy]

Such a sad news, I couldn't believe it at first. I loved seeing him in the K&C with Aljona and Bruno. May he rest in peace.

 

[skatingguy]

This from a few months ago on Bruno's Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlDhfBoAZ1W/

 

[MsZem]

Also from Bruno's Instagram, posted a couple of months after the Olympics: team victory.