Tributes have been paid to a former director of The Mailbox after he died in an avalanche in the Alps.

Shay Casey was climbing with a group of friends in the  Aosta region of the Italian Alps when the avalanche struck last Thursday.

Mr Casey, 40, was a chartered surveyor and director of strategy and business development at The Mailbox until earlier this year.

A statement said: "Everyone at The Mailbox is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent news about their friend and former colleague Shay Casey.

"Shay worked at the Mailbox until recently and played a key role in shaping the redevelopment plans which are currently under way.

"He was a committed team member and a good friend with a great passion for outdoor pursuits.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone at The Mailbox and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Mr Casey was originally from County Cork, in Ireland, but had lived in London for many years.

More recently, he was dividing his time between Birmingham and the capital as he also served as a board director of Retail Birmingham Business Improvement District (BID) for 18 months.

He helped the BID with its strategy for improving the city centre's retail offer.

Chairman Jonathan Cheetham said: "Shay was an energetic and important member of the Retail Birmingham BID board and played a major part in the BID's strategy and the re-development of the new Mailbox which is due to open in the spring of 2015.

"Retail Birmingham's thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time."

In Ireland, Mr Casey's family runs Caseys Furniture stores in Cork and Limerick.

A statement issued by the family said: "It is with deep sadness that the Casey family confirms the tragic death of their youngest brother, Shay Casey.

"Shay, a chartered surveyor, had been living in London for the last number of years.

"An avid and experienced outdoor sportsman, he was climbing with friends in Aosta, Northern Italy, when an avalanche occurred.

"Tragically, Shay suffered serious injuries and was killed by the force of the snowslide. His body has been recovered and the family is being assisted by the Department of Foreign Affairs."

Mr Casey had previously worked for GE Capital Real Estate after studying at universities in Edinburgh and Cork.

He is survived by his parents, Jim and Joan, brothers Jack, Peter, and David and sisters Gina and Darragh.

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