In a heartbreaking double blow, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn announced the passing of her cherished dog, Leo, just one day after suffering a severe injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Vonn, 41, shared the emotional news on Instagram on February 18, 2026, revealing that her 13-year-old companion Leo died on February 9, 2026. The post, which included poignant photos of Vonn cuddling with Leo over the years, described the dog as her “first love” and a constant source of comfort through life’s toughest moments.
“Leo Vonn ✝️🤍 2013-2/9/2026 Leo has passed away and joined Lucy and Bear up in heaven 🪽,” Vonn wrote. She explained that Leo’s decline coincided tragically with her own accident on the slopes. After recently being diagnosed with lung cancer—having previously beaten lymphoma a year and a half earlier—Leo’s heart began to fail, leaving him in pain despite his resilient spirit.
“The day I crashed, so did Leo,” Vonn reflected. “He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind.” While recovering in a hospital bed in Italy from a complex tibia fracture sustained in the women’s downhill event, Vonn had to say goodbye to her “big boy” remotely.
Leo had been by Vonn’s side for over a decade, joining her during her second ACL injury and providing unwavering support. “He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He layed by me, and cuddled me, always making me feel safe and loved,” she shared. “We have been through so much together in 13 years.”
Vonn described the past few days as “probably the hardest of my life,” admitting she has yet to fully process the loss. She finds some solace in knowing Leo is no longer suffering and is reunited in heaven with her other late dogs, Lucy and Bear, along with family members she has lost in recent years.
The announcement came as Vonn prepared for additional surgery on her injured leg, compounding an already challenging period. Her crash on February 8 ended her Olympic comeback bid, requiring multiple procedures and extended hospitalization.
Fans and media outlets quickly expressed sympathy, with coverage highlighting the emotional weight of the news amid Vonn’s physical recovery. Leo’s death marks the second loss of a pet for Vonn in recent times, following Lucy’s passing after the previous World Cup finals.
“There will never be another Leo,” Vonn concluded. “I will love you forever my big boy 🤍.”
Vonn’s openness about her grief has resonated widely, underscoring the profound bond between pets and their owners during times of adversity.
