An executive of LEGO and close friend of Queen Mary of Denmark died in a ski accident during the weekend.
Michael Halbye, 64, was fatally injured after he fell out of the track while skiing in the Swiss Alps region of the Swiss Alps on Saturday.
He was transferred by plane to a hospital, but died of internal discouragement, according to a statement by Kirkbi, the Lego parent company.
The queen issued a statement that pays tribute to her friend, who, according to her, was committed to helping others.
“I have received with great sadness the news of the sudden death of Michael Halbye. Michael Halbye was a man who had a strange positive energy, extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to make a different one for those who published the community website.
“It was also my friend, and many will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and close friends,” he added.
Halbye had been a member of the Kirkbi Board of Directors since 2020 and was elected vice president in 2022, the company said.
He quickly became a partner or trusted president Thomas Kirk Kristansen, whose family has the majority of the Lego group.
“Our thoughts and care go to the family and Michael’s loved ones, who now face having to process the unexpected loss of a man who in all facets of life has left a large and positive impression for those around him,” Kristiansen said.
“We will miss Michael as vice president, but first of all as a person. His memory is honored.”
It was on the Board of Directors of the Queen’s Mary Foundation since its foundation in 2007. The organization, which promotes anti-bullying and mental health, said Halbye played a “central role” when converting the María Foundation into what it is today.