Swiss snowboarder Sophie Hediger, 26, tragically passed away due to an avalanche in the Alps, near Arosa in Switzerland. The news was announced by the Swiss Ski Federation (Swiss-Ski).
Federation President Walter Reusser expressed deep condolences to the athlete's family, noting that Sophie’s tragic death has cast a shadow over the Christmas holidays for everyone connected with Swiss-Ski. The federation stated it would not disclose any further information about the incident.
Sophie Hediger was the champion of the 2023 Winter Universiade in snowboard cross. This season, she achieved her first podium finishes in the World Cup, securing second place in St. Moritz and third place in Gudauri. Hediger also participated in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she reached the round of 16.