The Swiss national snowboard cross team is mourning the loss of one of its members after Olympian Sophie Hediger died in an avalanche on Monday.
She was 26 years old.
The Swiss Ski Federation announced on Tuesday that Hediger was caught in an avalanche in the Swiss mountain resort of Arosa.
“We are stunned and our hearts go out to Sophie's family,” federation CEO Walter Reuther said in a statement. “For the Swiss ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger casts a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. We are saddened beyond measure. We would like to preserve our honorable memories of Sophie. Masu.”
Her death occurred nine days after her 26th birthday on December 14th.
Details about the incident are limited, and the Swiss Ski Federation said in a release that it would not release any further information about Hediger's death at the request of his family.
Graubünden cantonal police said Monday that a snowboarder was killed in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, but the victim's identity has not been released. This was reported by French news agency Le Parisien.
The snowboarder was not found until two hours after emergency services were called, and police began investigating the incident.
According to Le Parisien newspaper, heavy snow has fallen in Switzerland in recent days, increasing the risk of avalanches.
According to the release, Ms. Hediger spent much of her time horseback riding in Arosa, and the federation said her life “came to a tragic, abrupt and far too early end.”
The 26-year-old was competing in the women's snowboard cross event and mixed team event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Hediger achieved his first two World Cup podiums during the 2023-24 season, with his best result being second place in St. Moritz in January this year.
“Wow! What happened yesterday! I got my first World Cup podium at home! I couldn't be happier.” she wrote in an Instagram post. after the event.
