Swiss snowboarder Sophie Hediger tragically passed away earlier this week after an avalanche at a resort in Arosa, Switzerland, on December 23.
Hediger, who celebrated her 26th birthday just a few weeks ago, had competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She was involved in several events, including snowboard cross, Nordic combined skiing, and skeleton.
At the Olympics, she finished 7th in the mixed team snowboard cross and 19th in the women’s event. She also had a successful season in the 2023-24 World Cup, earning two podium finishes.
Sophie’s death has left the Swiss sports community devastated. Walter Reusser, the CEO of Swiss-Ski, expressed deep sadness, saying that her passing has cast a shadow over Christmas for the country’s ski family. He extended heartfelt condolences to her family.
Her family has asked for privacy during this time, and it’s not clear if anyone else was affected by the avalanche.
Hediger was in a relationship with Swiss hockey player Dario Wüthrich, and details about a memorial or further plans have not been shared yet.
This tragic loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers of winter sports, and it has left many grieving the loss of a talented young athlete.
This story was reported by Parade.
https://parade.com/news/olympian-sophie-hediger-killed-tragic-accident-avalanche?utm_source=pushly