Resuscitation aborted: snowboarder Hediger dies in avalanche accident

From Jordan Raza

Arosa (Switzerland) - Swiss snowboard crossers are mourning the loss of Sophie Hediger. The 26-year-old athlete died yesterday, Monday, in a serious avalanche accident in Arosa.

This was announced by the Swiss Ski Association with reference to Hediger's family. "For the Swiss-Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. We are immeasurably sad. We will honor Sophie's memory," said Walter Reusser, CEO Sport at Swiss-Ski.

Hediger took part in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and established herself in the World Cup with two podium finishes last winter. She finished ninth in her last race on December 14.

Her big dream was to win a medal at the 2025 World Championships in Engadin in March.

According to information from the Graubünden police, Hediger was skiing down the closed Black Diamond piste accompanied by another snow sports enthusiast. "They left the closed piste and the woman was caught in an avalanche on a slope. Her companion notified the rescue services and set off in search of the buried victim," wrote the police.

According to the report, the young athlete was rescued from the snow masses in the afternoon, but the resuscitation had to be aborted unsuccessfully on the avalanche field, according to the police.