Tragedy. Snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in the swiss Alps
Alex Olise
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
Swiss snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. The tragic incident occurred at the Arosa resort, as confirmed by the Swiss Ski Federation.
Details surrounding the incident remain limited, as the athlete’s family has requested privacy. According to the French outlet Le Parisien, the avalanche was triggered after heavy snowfall. Rescuers located the athlete two hours after the emergency call was placed, with the Graubünden cantonal police confirming the incident without disclosing the victim’s identity.
Sophie represented Switzerland at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, competing in women’s snowboard cross and team events. During the 2023–2024 season, she achieved her first World Cup podium finishes, including a second place in January in St. Moritz.
“We are deeply shocked by this news. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Sophie’s family,” said Walter Reusser, the federation’s CEO. He added that the loss is a heavy blow for the entire Swiss Ski family, casting a shadow over the holiday season.
