Italian teenage skier succumbed to injuries after a training accident in Italy

19-year-old Matilde Lorenzi had a terrible crash during training in northern Italy on the Grawand G1 track in Val Senales.

Immediately after the accident, Lorenzi was transported by helicopter to the nearby hospital in Bolzano, a city in northern Italy. Due to the extent of her injuries, she unfortunately passed away at the medical facility on Tuesday morning, October 29.

“Lorenzi was Italian junior champion last season in the overall classification and the super-G event, and she also finished 11th in the super-G in St. Moritz in the FIS European Cup in December last year,” said Eurosport. “Lorenzi was part of the sports department of the Italian Army and of the junior women’s team for Italy.” Her death was announced by the Ministry of Defense.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) have issued a statement expressing their condolences.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Matilde Lorenzi, as announced by the Italian Ministry of Defense, which expressed its sincere condolences to the 19-year-old Italian Army athlete. 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.”

“FIS is in mourning and stands with her family, friends and all who cherished Matilde, honoring her memory today and always,” they wrote.

Alpine skiing carries significant risks, especially at the high speeds at which promising athletes, such as Matilde Lorenzi, ski.

The young teen is survived by her older sister, Lucrezia. Her sister is also an accomplished skier who has competed in the World Cup slalom. Lorenzi was expected to continue her skiing success as she had already won numerous races at the youth level. This tragedy has affected her friends, family and the ski community around the world.