The deaths of French sports stars Camille Muffat, Alexis Vastine and Florence Arthaud in a helicopter crash have prompted an outpouring of grief.

Olympic gold medallist Muffat, boxer Vastine and sailor Arthaud were among 10 killed when two helicopters collided in Argentina during the filming of reality television show Dropped.

The tragedy occurred in La Rioja province with a number of fellow athletes and French figures subsequently offering their sympathies.

"The sudden death of our fellow French nationals is a cause of immense sadness" – French president Francois Hollande expresses sorrow in a statement.

"The Blue family is in tears. Camille, Florence, Alexis, your smiles and exploits will remain etched" – the French Olympic Committee offers its tribute on Twitter.

"I'm sad for my friends, I'm trembling, I'm horrified, I have no words, I don't want to say anything" – former France international Sylvain Wiltord, who was due to appear as a contestant on the show, tweets his shock.

"PSG expresses its sorrow for the disaster that has struck French sport and mourns the victims" – Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain join the tributes.

"So sad and shocked to wake up to hear the tragic death of Camille Muffat. She was an amazing sportswoman, competitor and lovely person" – Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington tweets her reaction.

"You don't expect such news when you wake up. Even though you know it was an accident, it could have happen to anybody, it's still serious. We have a thought for the families and the victims" - France rugby star Mathieu Bastareaud responds to the news at a press conference.

"Totally shocked. French sport and the whole of France is in mourning. All my support to the families" – France's number one women's tennis player Alize Cornet struggles to come to terms with the news on Twitter.

"How sad .. big thoughts to our great sportspeople and their families" – Alexander Levy, a French golfer, offers his condolences in a tweet.

"Argentina: great sorrow on the death of the eight French. Condolences and support for families dealing with this tragedy" – Newcastle United and France footballer Moussa Sissoko tweets his sadness.