The skiing community is in mourning.
Italian Alpine skier Matilde Lorenzi died Oct. 29 at age 19 after falling during a training session in northern Italy’s Val Senales valley, according to a statement shared on social media by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
“The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) extends its deepest condolences following the tragic loss of Matilde Lorenzi,” the statement read. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matilde Lorenzi, as announced by the Italian Ministry of Defense, who conveyed heartfelt condolences for the 19-year-old athlete of the Italian Army.”
“FIS joins FISI President Flavio Roda and the entire Italian winter sports community in mourning, including coaches, athletes, teammates, the federal council, and all FISI staff,” the federation continued. “FISI is in mourning, standing by her family, friends, and everyone who cherished Matilde, honoring her memory today and always.”
After the accident, the teen was taken via helicopter to a hospital in the nearby city of Bolzano where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries, per Olympics.com.
Per the outlet, Matilde, whose sister Lucrezia Lorenzi was also a pro skier, was last season’s Italian junior champion. She also finished sixth in downhill skiing and eighth in the super-G competition at the Junior World Alpine Ski Championships in 2023.
Shortly after the news was shared, members of the sporting world paid tribute to the late athlete including retired U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, who reacted to the loss in the comment section of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s Instagram post.
“This is a tragic loss,” the gold medalist wrote. “Sending my thoughts to her family.”
U.S. Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin also shared the post in her Instagram Stories, adding, “So much love to her family, friends and teammates.”