Italian alpine skier Matteo Franzoso has died at the age of 25 after sustaining a head injury during a training session in Chile, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed on Wednesday.
Franzoso suffered “head trauma” after losing control on the first small jump of the training course at the La Parva slope near Santiago, colliding with a wooden fence. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, admitted directly to intensive care, and placed in an induced coma. However, officials said he died hours later.
The Turin-born skier competed in 17 World Cup races, with his best result recorded in January 2023 when he finished 28th in the Super-G Slalom at Cortina d’Ampezzo. He also won the Italian national alpine combined title the same year. His last World Cup appearance came in March.
FIS President Johan Eliasch expressed condolences, saying:
“On behalf of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Matteo Franzoso’s family and loved ones and to the Italian Winter Sports Federation. The entire ski family mourns this tragic loss, and our thoughts are with all those affected in this moment of great sorrow.”
Franzoso’s death comes less than a year after 19-year-old Italian alpine skier Matilde Lorenzi died from injuries sustained in a training accident.
Flavio Roda, president of the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), called Franzoso’s passing a “tragedy for his family and for our sport.”
“It is a drama that brings us back to the feelings of less than a year ago, when we lost Matilde Lorenzi,” Roda said. “It is absolutely necessary to do everything possible so that such incidents are not repeated. In this sad and painful moment, I want to tell all athletes and coaches, in all sports, that the federation stands by their side and that they will find all the support they need.”
Several figures in the skiing community have since paid tribute, including American legend Lindsey Vonn, who wrote on Instagram:
“I was skiing this exact slope 3 weeks ago… RIP Matteo. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Incredibly sad.”