Italian teenage skiing prodigy Matilde Lorenzi dies after ‘very serious accident’

Italian alpine skier Matilde Lorenzi has died aged 19 from injuries suffered in a training accident, the Italian Ministry of Denfence confirmed.

The rising skiing star suffered a serious crash during a training session on the Grawand G1 slope in Val Senales, South Tyrol, Italy, according to an International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) statement.

Lorenzi — who was part of the Italian Army’s sports section, the Esercito — was attended to immediately and taken by helicopter to hospital in Bolzano, according to Olympics.com, where she later died on Tuesday local time.

Italy’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the news in a statement on social media, expressing its “deepest condolences” and saying, “Lance Corporal Matilde Lorenzi, athlete of the Army and promise of Italian skiing, … tragically passed away following a very serious accident during a training session”.

Meanwhile, the FIS said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matilde Lorenzi, as announced by the Italian Ministry of Defense, who conveyed heartfelt condolences for the 19-year-old athlete of the Italian Army.”

The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) added its condolences.

“FISI is in mourning, standing by her family, friends, and everyone who cherished Matilde, honoring her memory today and always,” the world governing body added.

Lorenzi’s older sister Lucrezia, a World Cup series skier herself, told CNN affiliate SkyTG24 she “will always remember her with a smile, with her determination and drive”.

Lucrezia described her sister as a “good giant”, who “will support me and support us during this difficult time, and surely her push will be crucial, which will be as huge and giant as she was”.

The younger Lorenzi competed in the 2024 FIS Junior World Alpine Ski Championships, finishing sixth in the women’s downhill and eighth in super-G, an alpine skiing event that combines elements of giant slalom and downhill.

The 19-year-old was Italian junior champion last season in the overall standings and super-G, according to the Olympic website.

US alpine ski star Mikaela Shiffrin was one of many who expressed sadness, reposting images of Lorenzi captioned with broken hearts on social media.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni the death “truly saddens me. I join in the grief of her family, colleagues and the entire Army Sports Center”.