Matteo Franzoso (†) © Pentaphoto

The ski world in shock: “It is incredibly hard”

The death of Matteo Franzoso has caused great shock in winter sports worldwide. Colleagues on the national team, long-time companions, and international skiing greats are saying their goodbyes.

September 16, 2025

From: sportsnews

Matteo Franzoso died on Monday evening in a hospital in the Chilean capital Santiago as a result of a serious training crash (SportNews berichteteThe Italian downhill skier would have turned 26 this Tuesday.

The speed specialist from Genoa has been in an artificial coma for the past few days. It was a time that, of course, left its mark on his teammates. They had suspended training after the crash, and it remains to be seen how and when they will return from Chile. Currently, they are all still at their training camp in La Parva.

Return of teammates open

Some teammates expressed their deep condolences via their social media channels. Max Perathoner, who rode with Franzoso in the World Cup Speed ​​Team 2, wrote on Instagram: "There are no words...forever with us." Christoph Innerhofer posted a picture of a sunset in his story with the caption "Ciao Matteo." Other South Tyroleans, including Florian Schieder, Alex Vinatzer, Nadia Delago, and Nicol Delago, also expressed their grief online.

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mattia Casse �� (@cassemattia)

Particularly moving were the words that John Franzoni in a long Instagram post. He is only two years younger than Franzoso and has long shared his career path. "Every corner of mine will be yours too – we will ride every race and every training session together, continuing to live the dream we have always shared." Mattia Casse expressed his sadness: "I'm used to always being quick and overcoming everything - ALWAYS!! This time it's hard, not to say infinitely hard."

Ghedina demands consequences

Italy's downhill legend Kristian Ghedina is also shocked and denounces in a conversation with the Journal of Sport At the same time, he added: "The new skis are simply too fast, especially in the turns. It's time to change something."

“What a tragic moment for skiing” Lucas Pinheiro Braathen

Any changes to the equipment are primarily the responsibility of the FIS, the International Ski Federation. Its president Johan Eliasch was quoted on the association's website as saying: "The entire ski family mourns this tragic loss, and our thoughts are with all those affected at this time of deep pain."

A whole host of international ski stars echoed the FIS President's words. "This is incredibly sad," wrote the American ski star. Lindsey Vonn on Instagram. She had driven there exactly three weeks ago. "My thoughts are with Matteo's family and friends," she said. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen sums it up in a few words: “What a tragic moment for skiing.”