Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger tragically passed away due to an avalanche in Switzerland on Monday.

At just 26 years old, Hediger was engaging in “freeriding,” which involves snowboarding on natural terrain in Arosa, a town in eastern Switzerland, as reported by Swiss-Ski, the winter sports federation.

“We are in shock, and our hearts go out to Sophie’s family during this difficult time,” said Walter Reusser, the CEO of Sport at Swiss-Ski.

Hediger was on a closed black diamond slope on Monday afternoon, along with another individual, when the avalanche struck after she exited the designated area, as local police informed ABC News.

The other snowboarder called for help, and rescue teams found Hediger buried in the snow a few hours later. Sadly, she passed away at the site despite attempts to revive her through CPR, ABC News stated.

As per the request of her family, no further details will be disclosed by Swiss-Ski concerning the incident, and they have asked for privacy during this time.

“The sudden loss of Sophie Hediger casts a deep sadness over the Swiss-Ski community as we approach Christmas,” stated Walter Reusser, the alpine director for Swiss-Ski. “We are heartbroken. Sophie will be fondly remembered.”

Arosa has not yet provided a comment to YSL News in response to their inquiry on Tuesday.

Who was Sophie Hediger?

Hediger was raised in Horgen, located in the canton of Zurich, but spent substantial time in Arosa.

“It was there that her life ended tragically and much too quickly while she was enjoying freeriding, an activity she cherished tremendously,” remarked Swiss-Ski.

During the 2023-2024 season, Hediger achieved her first two podium finishes in the World Cup. She came in second in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January, followed by a third-place finish in Gudauri, Georgia, in February, according to ABC News.

A goal of Hediger’s was to secure a medal at the upcoming Ski Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, scheduled for March, as stated by Swiss-Ski.

Moreover, she participated in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, competing in women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team snowboard cross, fulfilling another aspiration by competing at the Olympic Games, as per ABC News