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Rising skier Matilde Lorenzi, 19, dies from her injuries after crashing while training in Italy

Posted on by Pranco
Rising skier Matilde Lorenzi, 19, dies from her injuries after crashing while training in Italy

A 19-year-old rising star of Italian alpine skiing has died after falling during training, authorities in the country announced on Tuesday.

“Matilde Lorenzi has left us,” the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) said.

“President Flavio Roda has no words to express the tragedy suffered by FISI, its coaches, its athletes and Matilde’s teammates and coaches,” the federation added.

Matilde Lorenzi fell during training in northeastern Italy and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, the FISI said on Monday.

The federation subsequently decided to suspend training and all other activities of its national teams following the accident.

News of the teenager’s death sparked emotional reactions from Italy and the ski world as a whole.

American skier Mikaela Shiffrin reacted to the news social media by posting three broken heart emojis.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “great sadness”, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his “sincere emotion”.

Italian skier Sofia Goggia posted a short message on social media calling for prayers, captioned with a black and white photo of Lorenzi.

Lorenzi was a member of the Italian army and also paid tribute to her.

“On behalf of the entire Italian Army family and on my own behalf, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Matilde Lorenzi, who died in a tragic accident while training in Val Senales,” said Army Chief of Staff staff Carmine Masiello said in a statement.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) also paid tribute to Lorenzi social media.

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