The Italian skiing community is left grief-stricken by a sudden tragic turn of events. They are grieving the loss of Matilde Lorenzi, a bright 19-year-old talent in Alpine skiing who breathed her last following a training accident. The young skier was training on the Grawand G1 slope in Val Senales when she experienced a devastating fall. Despite immediate assistance and transport by helicopter to a hospital in Bolzano, she succumbed to her injuries.

Matilde Lorenzi has been a member of the Italian Army’s sports section and a standout on the FIS Europa Cup circuit. The unprecedented tragic news of Lorenzi’s passing was officially announced by the Italian Ministry of Defense, with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) joining in expressing heartfelt condolences. At a tender age, Lorenzi represented her country with pride, marking impressive achievements in her young career.

The previous year itself, Matilde earned sixth and eighth-place finishes in the Junior World Alpine Ski Championships in downhill and super-G, respectively. And she was crowned Italian junior champion in super-G. In a recent Instagram post, the official handle of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup shared the tragic news. Mourning her death, they wrote, “FISI is in mourning, standing by her family, friends, and everyone who cherished Matilde, honoring her memory today and always.”

Matilde Lorenzi has always been closely accompanied, guided, and mentored by her elder sister, Lucrezia Lorenzi. Hailing from Villarbasse near Turin, the sisters raised up on the lap of the picturesque slopes of Sestrière. And  Matilde honed her skills on the same slopes alongside her sister. Lucrezia too has been shining bright in the icy realm, as she competes in the World Cup slalom.

With such a gifted sibling duo, the Lorenzi family was already making a name on the slopes of competitive skiing. Matilde’s remarkable achievements, including an 11th-place finish in super-G at St. Moritz, made her one of Italy’s most promising young skiers. And, the death of the young one has left the Matilde family shattered.

Lorenzi’s dedication and enthusiasm have left a lasting impression on all who knew her. And her untimely demise has affected not only her family but the entire Italian winter sports community. Tributes and condolences for the family have been pouring in from all who admired her. FISI President Flavio Roda too mourned the loss. Fans and elite athletes too took to their social media to express their condolences.

Fans mourn the untimely demise of Matilde Lorenzi in the heart of the snow

Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn took to the comment section of the post and wrote, “This is a tragic loss. Sending my thoughts to her family. 🙏🏻💔” Vonn herself had fought against several injuries that affected her during her skiing career. She has always tried to emphasize the importance of safety in the sport. However, still, the young Alpine skier lost her life in a fatal accident. 

Another skiing greatness, Mikaela Shiffrin too shared her empathy for the Matilde family in their time of grief and sorrow. “So much love to her family, friends, and teammates💔🖤”, wrote Shiffrin. Her message of sending thoughts to Lorenzi’s family conveys empathy and support during this difficult time, highlighting the shared grief experienced by athletes in such heartbreaking occurrences.

One anguished fan expressed deep sorrow and disbelief in response to the tragic news of Matilde Lorenzi’s death. They commented, “Oh my god, rest in peace!:(”. The comment section was filled with such comments which reflect the community’s collective grief over the loss of a young and promising athlete. Another fan echoes the same emotion and wrote, “Unbelievable 💔”. The death of Lorenzi at the tender age of 19 has left netizens even more shocked and devastated. 

Another bereaved fan commented, “😢sending lots of love at strength to her family and friends ❤”. The pain and sorrow that has overshadowed the Lorenzi family is beyond any measure. Another Instagram user mentioned, “💔What a tragic lost. We are sending our deepest condolences to her family, teammates and everyone who stood her near🤍”. The netizens extended condolences to Matilde’s family, teammates, and all who were close to her, reflecting a sense of solidarity and support during such a difficult time.

Matilde Lorenzi’s unexpected and tragic death serves as a somber reminder of the risk that accompanies the dangerous yet beautiful sport of skiing. Her achievements, drive, and spirit will not be forgotten. We hope that her soul may rest in peace.