Sophie Hediger – a Swiss snowboarder competing in the 2022 Beijing Games – tragically died in an avalanche on Monday. She was just 26 years old.
The Swiss Ski Association announced the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, revealing that the incident occurred in the Arosa ski resort.
“We are stunned,” said Swiss Ski CEO Walter Reusser said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with Sophie's family, to whom we extend our deepest condolences.”
Hediger competed in several competitions at the 2022 Winter Olympics, including women's snowboard cross.
In the 2023/24 season she was on the podium twice in World Cup competitions.
Hediger had just turned 26 on December 14th.
“For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays,” said Reusser. “We are incredibly sad. We will honor Sophie’s memory.”
REST IN PEACE.