Olympian Sophia Hediger sadly died on Monday after being swept away by an avalanche. The Swiss snowboarder was just 26 years old. She took part in the 2022 Games in Beijing.

There was a tragic accident on the slopes on Monday. An avalanche caught and killed Hediger. After her death, the Swiss Ski Association announced Sophia’s death. They explained that an avalanche in the Arosa ski area unfortunately cost the snowboarder her life.

“We are stunned,” Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser said in a statement, “and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we extend our deepest condolences.”

They also took the time to remember Sophia and her legacy. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, she took part, among other things, in the women’s snowboard cross. She then took part in World Cup competitions and reached the podium twice.

Sophia Hediger has died

The snowboarder only turned 26 on December 14th. She passed away just two days before Christmas and the holidays.

“For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays,” said Reusser. “We are incredibly sad. We will honor Sophie’s memory.”

Following her death, several of her fans took to social media to mourn her loss.

“Terrible. My condolences go out to the family.”

“It sucks dying at such a young age, but at least she did what she loved?”

“This is so sad. A reminder that you can be on top of the world and then have your life randomly taken away by Mother Nature.”

“This is really heartbreaking. Sophie Hediger, a talented young Olympian, was taken far too soon. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”.”

“She also took avalanche courses, like most of us who hit the slopes hard. I can’t imagine knowing you won’t make it. This is terrible for me. RIP, you died doing what you love but you didn’t deserve this…“

“So heartbreaking to hear from Sophie. She was such a talent and had so much ahead of her. Rest in peace.”

“Great woman in the snow, but now she sees and skis the slopes in heaven.”