Lindsey Vonn returned to the U.S. on Monday and shared the heartbreaking news that her dog, Leo, passed away on February 9, just one day after a shocking accident during the women’s Olympic downhill event.
“From 2013 until February 9, 2026, Leo was with me, and now he’s in heaven with Lucy and Bear. These last few days have been so incredibly difficult. I think it’s probably the hardest time of my life. I still can’t believe he’s really gone…” Vonn expressed in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “The day I crashed, Leo did as well. He had just been diagnosed with lung cancer after surviving lymphoma a year and a half ago, and now his heart was failing him. He was suffering, and his body couldn’t keep up with his strong spirit.”
“The day after the accident, we had to say goodbye to our big guy in his hospital bed. I can barely process how many meaningful things I’ve lost in such a short time. It feels unreal. Leo has been with me since my second ACL injury when I needed him most. He stayed by my side on the couch while I watched the Sochi Olympics, lifting my spirits whenever I was down. He always made me feel safe and loved. We’ve gone through a lot together over these 13 years.”
The 41-year-old athlete experienced a terrible crash during the women’s downhill race in Milan on February 8. She entered the gate too early, tangled her right arm and pole, lost her balance, and slid off the course only 13 seconds into the race.
Vonn was airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, where doctors found a significant fracture in her left tibia. She underwent four surgeries before being allowed to go home, but this time she couldn’t greet her beloved dog.
2026 Winter Olympics
In a deeply emotional message, Vonn mentioned that she is set to undergo her fifth foot surgery on Wednesday.
“It’s going to take time to process everything emotionally, but I know he’s always with me. I take comfort in knowing he’s with Lucy and Bear, my mom, my grandparents, and so many others I’ve lost. And… I find solace in knowing he’s no longer in pain,” she wrote.
“There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love. Today, I head into surgery. When I close my eyes, I’ll remember him. I’ll love you forever, my big boy.”
Vonn previously shared that she hopes to regain more mobility in the future in another Instagram update.
“I want to thank all the medical staff who helped me get home and I genuinely look forward to the next surgery to remove the X-fix from my leg and increase my mobility,” she stated. “My injury was much more serious than just a broken leg. I’m still trying to wrap my head around what that means and the road ahead… but I plan to share more in the days to come.”
