Lindsey Vonn’s double heartbreak on day of Olympics crash in ‘hardest of my life’ submit
US skier Lindsey Vonn has announced that her beloved dog Leo passed away after becoming unwell on the same day she suffered a horror crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy, fracturing her left leg
Lindsey Vonn has revealed she suffered further heartbreak on the day of her crash
Lindsey Vonn has revealed fresh heartbreak after returning to the United States following her tragic accident at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The 41-year-old skier, who crashed merely 13 seconds into the women’s downhill event, has announced the heartbreaking death of her dog.
Vonn remained in an Italian hospital for a week receiving treatment for a fractured left leg before flying back to the States on Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning (February 18), she disclosed that her dog, Leo, had died after her pet became unwell as she suffered her crash on February 8. Her beloved dog would sadly pass the day after as Vonn was recovering in hospital.
“Leo Vonn 2013-2/9/2026 – Leo has passed away and joined Lucy and Bear up in heaven,” she posted on Instagram.
“This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest of my life. I still have not come to terms that he is gone… The day I crashed, so did Leo.
“He had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer (he survived lymphoma a year and a half ago) but now his heart was failing him. He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind. As I layed in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy.”
“I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe it. My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most.
“He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He laid by me, and cuddle me, always making me feel safe and loved. We have been through so much together in 13 years.
“It’s going to be a while before I emotionally process things but I know he will always be with me. I know he’s up there with Lucy and Bear and my mom and grandparents and so many people I have lost in the past few years.
“Andi takes splice knowing he’s not in pain anymore. There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love. Heading in for more surgery today. Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes. I will love you forever my big boy.”
She subsequently shared the post on her Instagram Stories with the message: “On the same day I crashed, my boy did too. I will always love you, Leo,” followed by another tribute to one of her three dogs who had also died.
Once back home, Vonn will continue her hospital care, having already endured four operations, reports the Mirror.
The American is looking at up to 11 months of recovery before she could even contemplate returning to competitive skiing, though her father, Alan Kildow, has suggested she’s unlikely to race again.
“She’s 41-years-old and this is the end of her career,” Kildow told The Associated Press on February 9. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
