Lindsey Vonn Loses Beloved Dog Amid Olympic Struggles

Lindsey Vonn is navigating an incredibly tough time. On Wednesday, she shared the heartbreaking news that her treasured dog, Leo, had passed away. This loss comes just a day after Vonn suffered a serious injury during the Milan-Cortina Olympics, an event that has already led to multiple surgeries for her and the possibility of more to come.

“Leo passed away on February 9, 2026,” Vonn recounted. “The day after my accident, I had to say goodbye to my big son while I was in a hospital bed. These are the hardest days of my life, and I’m still grappling with his death. I will always love him.”

Unfortunately, Leo had been fighting lung cancer and had been by Vonn’s side for 13 years.

Vonn’s turmoil started on February 8, when she experienced an excruciating injury during the women’s downhill alpine skiing competition at the Olympics. She had hoped to make a comeback after a torn ACL just a week prior, but it all took a sudden and serious turn – the impact broke her leg. It’s nothing short of devastating when you think about the journey leading up to that moment.

Recovering in the hospital, Vonn expressed her struggle. “I haven’t been able to stand for over a week. I’ve been in this hospital bed since the race. It feels great to finally be back on my home soil,” she mentioned on X. She took a moment to express her gratitude to those in Italy who showed her care.

Vonn, who is 41, had to be airlifted from the mountain after the alarming incident. Before the Olympics, there had been much speculation about how she’d manage, especially after her recent surgery. She was determined to see her efforts pay off, but everything came crashing down just moments after she started her run.

In a reflective moment last week, she stated that she has “no regrets” about her decision to compete.