Lindsey Vonn is in mourning: A friend has died.

Ski queen Lindsey Vonn has bid farewell with emotional words to a childhood friend who died far too soon.

July 15, 2026

From: det

Last week, the ski world was hit by tragic news: TJ Lanning, former World Cup downhill skier, has died at the age of 41. A death that also deeply affected Lindsey Vonn. Because: She and Lanning were childhood friends.

“We’ve known each other since we were twelve,” Vonn wrote in an Instagram story, attaching a photo of Lanning. “We shared many memories in the mountains. I hope you rest in peace, my friend. We will all miss you. Until we meet again, Chicken,” the 41-year-old wrote emotionally.

Lindsey Vonn's Instagram story.

Vonn and Lanning often competed together in races during their youth. Both were considered promising American talents for the future, but only Vonn achieved great success: she is now one of the most popular skiers of all time. Lanning, on the other hand, had to end his career at the age of 25 after a serious fall.

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing lindsey vonn