Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has passed away following an avalanche in Switzerland, as reported by the country’s skiing federation.
Hediger, 26 years old and a member of Switzerland’s snowboard cross squad at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, was at the mountain resort of Arosa when the tragic incident occurred on Monday.
She participated in the women’s snowboard cross as well as the mixed team format at the Beijing Games.
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In the 2023-24 season, she claimed her first two podium finishes in the World Cup, achieving her highest result of second place in St Moritz in January.
“We are devastated, and our hearts go out to Sophie’s family, to whom we extend our sincerest condolences,” stated Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser in an official message.
Mr. Reusser further noted that Hediger grew up in Horgen, a town situated approximately 20 minutes by car from Zurich, and frequently visited Arosa.
He expressed that she lost her life “tragically, brutally, and far too early.”
