Olympic medalist skier dies after being struck by lightning

A former Olympic skier who won a medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games has died after he was struck by lighting.

The Norwegian ski federation announced on Thursday that ski cross bronze medalist Audun Groenvold has died days after he was struck by lighting. Groenvold was 49.

“It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold’s untimely passing,” a statement from the federation said, according to The Associated Press. “The former national Alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip.”

Groenvold won a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He was originally a member of Norway’s alpine skiing team before he transitioned into freestyle and ski cross.

“Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the Alpine and freestyle communities,” federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug said in a statement. “Audun had a great career in both alpine skiing and ski cross, before becoming the national ski cross coach. The Norwegian Ski Association also remembers his efforts on the ski board. There will be a big void after Audun.”

In addition to the Olympic bronze medal, Groenvold won a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 world championships and the overall ski cross cup in 2007.