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Lindsey Vonn Heartbroken After Friend's Tragic Death

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 3:27 PM ET

This week was supposed to be a celebration for Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. Instead, she was dealt heartbreaking news.

Vonn, 40, returned to competitive skiing last winter after undergoing a partial knee replacement. She placed second in the super-G at the World Cup Finals, becoming the oldest female skier to make the podium at a World Cup race. On Wednesday night, she was nominated for the Best Comeback Award at the ESPYs.

"Can’t believe I’m nominated for another ESPY award… wow! Means a lot to me and it’s very humbling. I’m nominated for Best Comeback (only 10 years after my first comeback nomination) which is a category filled with incredible, incredible women," Vonn said. "I voted for Suni Lee as her comeback in Paris was beyond impressive."

Roughly 24 hours after the ESPYs wrapped up, Vonn learned that legendary skydiver Felix Baumgartner passed away in a paragliding accident. He was 56 years old. According to the authorities in Italy, his paraglider crashed into the side of a swimming pool in Porto Sant'Elpidio.

Vonn was friends with Baumgartner for many years. As you'd imagine, she was devastated when she heard about his death.

"Don't know what to say... known Felix for so many years...fly high my friend," Vonn wrote on her Instagram Story on Thursday night. "RIP."

In 2012, Baumgartner performed a 24-mile leap from a pressurized pod while representing Red Bull. It was an incredible achievement that had the sports world buzzing.

"We are shocked and overwhelmed with sadness to hear the devastating news of our longtime friend Felix Baumgartner," Red Bull said in a statement. "Felix was 'born to fly' and was determined to push the limits. He was also smart, professional, thorough, and meticulous, never leaving anything to chance. He was generous, giving much of his time to help and inspiring so many people."

Baumgartner's legacy will live on for years to come, there's no question about it.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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