The global alpine skiing community is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of 25-year-old Italian skier Matteo Franzoso, who succumbed to severe injuries sustained in a training accident at the La Parva ski resort. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has extended its deepest condolences, joining a chorus of tributes from fans, fellow athletes, and sports organizations worldwide as the sport grapples with yet another devastating loss.
Franzoso, a promising downhill and super-G specialist from Genoa, Italy, was participating in preseason training sessions when the tragedy unfolded on Saturday. According to reports from the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), the young athlete mishandled a small jump on the training course, propelling him forward through two layers of safety fencing. He then collided with an additional barrier positioned approximately six to seven meters outside the track, resulting in a major head injury and subsequent cerebral edema. Emergency services responded immediately, airlifting Franzoso by helicopter to a specialized clinic in Santiago, where he was placed in a medically induced coma to manage the critical trauma. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, he passed away on Monday, just one day before his 26th birthday.
“It’s a tragedy for his family and for our sport,” said FISI President Flavio Roda in a statement, emphasizing the profound impact of the loss. “It’s absolutely necessary to do everything possible so accidents like this don’t happen anymore.” The FIS echoed these sentiments, stating, “The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) extends its deepest condolences following the tragic loss of Matteo Franzoso. 💙 Our thoughts are with Matteo’s family, teammates, and the entire Italian winter sports community.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed his sorrow, describing Franzoso as a “sunny, smiling, and kind boy” and noting that the Italian embassy in Chile provided full support to his family, who had rushed to his bedside in Santiago.
Franzoso, a member of the elite Fiamme Gialle sports group affiliated with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, had arrived at La Parva on September 6 alongside a group of top Italian speed skiers, including Mattia Casse, Florian Schieder, Guglielmo Bosca, Christof Innerhofer, Benjamin Alliod, Nicolò Molteni, Marco Abbruzzese, and Giovanni Franzoni. Training sessions were immediately suspended following the incident, as the team processed the shock and focused on supporting one another. Raised on the slopes of Sestriere, Franzoso was known for his gentle demeanor and infectious enthusiasm for the sport, qualities that endeared him to coaches and peers alike.
Though still early in his international career, Franzoso had already shown significant promise. He claimed the Italian national title in the combined event in 2023 and had competed in FIS World Cup events, including a notable crash during the men’s downhill at Lake Louise in 2022. He had yet to make his mark at the World Championships or Olympics, but his dedication to speed events positioned him as an emerging talent in Italy’s storied alpine skiing tradition.
This tragedy marks the second such loss for Italian skiing in less than a year. In October 2024, 18-year-old freestyle skier Matilde Lorenzi died from injuries sustained in a training crash in Copper Mountain, Colorado, sending ripples of grief through the community. FISI and FIS officials have reiterated calls for enhanced safety measures, including improved fencing and track designs, to prevent future accidents in high-speed disciplines like downhill.
As the winter sports world pauses to honor Franzoso’s memory, tributes continue to pour in on social media and from across the globe. The Italian Ski Team has vowed to redouble efforts in safety protocols, ensuring that Franzoso’s passion for skiing lives on through safer practices for future generations. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and the broader skiing fraternity during this unimaginable time.
