Heartbreaking loss! The alpine skiing world is heartbroken over the loss of 19-year-old Matilde Lorenzi, who passed away after a training accident in northern Italy. It’s tough to process the news, especially since Matilde was seen as a rising star in the sport. Originally from Turin and raised in Sestriere, she was just weeks away from her 20th birthday on November 15, and many believed she had a bright future ahead of her.

On October 29, the Italian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Matilde succumbed to her injuries after a serious fall, violently hitting her face on the icy slope during training on the Val Senales glacier in the Alto Adige region. The accident occurred on October 28 while she was training in the Schnalstal Valley. According to reports, while skiing down the Grawand G1 slope, Matilde lost control, causing her skis to spread apart and resulting in a devastating collision with the hard, snow-covered slope. Despite receiving care and being transported by air to the hospital in Bolzano, she passed away shortly after reaching there.

The Italian Winter Sports Federation offered sympathies to Matilde’s family, friends, and everyone who cherished her presence and influence in their lives – highlighting the significant impression she left on those she touched. Matilde excelled in speed-related competitions which truly showcased her skills and abilities, in the field. What lies ahead now remains uncertain. Her boyfriend is utterly devastated as he grapples with the loss of someone who held such immense value in his life.

Heart-wrenching goodbye from boyfriend after tragic loss of Matilde Lorenzi

Matilde Lorenzi was a rising star of the Italian junior women’s team and part of the Army Sports Center. Earlier this year, she marked her victory in both the Open and junior Super-G competitions, showcasing her prowess, in high-speed events. Last year she secured a sixth-place finish in downhill and an eighth-place finish in Super G. With her achievement of finishing in the Giant Slalom event during the 2024 Italian National Championships it became evident that Matilde was on her way to a successful sports career.

Just five days before her tragic passing, Matilde shared a post on Instagram, capturing a sunset with her beautiful hair flowing in the breeze—a moment that now feels hauntingly bittersweet. Her friend and rumored boyfriend, Federico Tomasoni, who is also a fellow skier, posted a heart-wrenching tribute after her death. In the Instagram story, Matilde was lying in bed, her breath having left her, with only her hand visible beneath a white sheet as Federico held it. He captioned the post in Italian, saying, “You are the most beautiful thing that life could give me. I love you, little star.”

In another story, he reshared a recent post of Matilde where they were hugging, with Matilde’s caption reading, “I want to wake up there where you are.” It really shows the deep connection they shared. You can feel how much he already misses her, grappling with the weight of her absence just days after capturing that tender moment.

Matilde’s family, especially her sister Lucrezia, who also races in slalom in the World Cup series, is heartbroken over the loss of a beloved friend and sister. The Lorenzi family has made its mark in skiing, and Matilde was on track to follow in Lucrezia’s footsteps. The skiing community is left with a sense of loss, mourning not just the potential of a talented athlete, but also the memory of a vibrant young woman who touched so many lives during her brief time on Earth.