Tributes have been paid across the North West’s business and creative communities to Bruntwood director Kate Vokes and her son Archie, who have died following an avalanche in the French Alps.
Vokes was the sister of recently appointed Bruntwood SciTech chief executive Chris Oglesby, chair of the Oglesby Charitable Trust established by her late father Michael Oglesby, and a trustee of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.
Bruntwood said in a brief statement: “We’re heartbroken to share the tragic sudden loss of Kate Vokes & her son Archie. As Oglesby Charitable Trust Chair, our Non-Executive Director & sister of our CEO, Kate was loved & respected by so many. We will miss them terribly. The family kindly ask for privacy at this time.”
We’re heartbroken to share the tragic sudden loss of Kate Vokes & her son Archie. As Oglesby Charitable Trust Chair, our Non-Executive Director & sister of our CEO, Kate was loved & respected by so many. We will miss them terribly.
— Bruntwood (@Bruntwood_UK) December 31, 2023
The family kindly ask for privacy at this time. pic.twitter.com/0BOg78ysbb
Theatres, Universities and businesses were among those paying tribute to Vokes in the wake of the news:
This is terrible news. Our deepest condolences to Kate and Archies family, and to everyone who knew and loved them so much.
— THIS IS MCR AWARDS ® (@thisismcrawards) December 31, 2023
Devastating news, sending my heartfelt condolences to all the family. Kate sat either in front or behind me at school (alphabetical) and then years later we crossed paths again due to Bruntwood’s support of the arts and became friends. A terrible loss
— Helen & associates (@palmersquared) December 31, 2023
All of us at the Hallé received the terrible and tragic news of the sudden death of Kate Vokes and her son Archie with deep sadness.
— The Hallé (@the_halle) January 1, 2024
We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kate and Archie at this terribly sad and difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Yf1UEckWSL
The University is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely death of Kate Vokes and her son Archie. Kate, an MBA graduate from the Alliance Manchester Business School, was a dedicated supporter of the University, as well as the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Manchester…
— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) January 1, 2024
We are incredibly sad to hear about the tragic passing of Kate Vokes, and her son Archie. Kate was a passionate supporter of and advocate for the Arts and Cultural sector, and through The Oglesby Charitable Trust supported The Lowry's work with children and young people.
— The Lowry (@The_Lowry) January 1, 2024
— Royal Exchange Theatre (@rxtheatre) December 31, 2023