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Olympic Snowboarder Killed In Avalanche At 26 On Monday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Dec 24, 2024 12:15 PM ET

Tragedy struck at the Arosa resort in Switzerland on Monday, as an Olympic snowboarder passed away at the young age of 26.

Sophie Hediger, a member of Switzerland's national snowboard cross team, got caught in an avalanche. She died just nine days after celebrating her 26th birthday. According to French news outlet Le Parisien, she was found two hours after emergency services were notified about the avalanche. The police has launched an investigation into this incident. There was heavy snowfall in Switzerland in the days leading up to this tragedy.

Additional details regarding Hediger's death have not been revealed at this time. All we can say for certain is the snowboarding community is heartbroken by her unexpected passing.

"We are speechless, and our thoughts are with Sophie's family, to whom we express our deepest condolences," Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser said. "For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. We are immeasurably sad. We will keep an honorable memory of Sophie."

Hediger represented Switzerland in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. She has also competed in the FIS Snowboard World Cup every year from 2018-2024.

During the 2023-24 season, Hediger earned her first two World Cup podium finishes. In January, she placed second at St. Moritz.

"Wow! What just happened yesterday! Got my first World Cup podium at home! Couldn’t be happier," she wrote on Instagram. "Big thanks to my friends & family who where cheering for me."

Our thoughts are with Hediger's loved ones at this time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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