Livigno, Italy – American ski racer Lindsey Vonn is facing a double heartbreak as she recovers from surgery following a crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Vonn announced Wednesday that her dog, Leo, had died just a day after her devastating crash on the Olympic downhill course.
The 41-year-old Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist, sustained a complex tibia fracture in her left leg during the crash on February 18th, requiring immediate surgery in Italy. She was subsequently flown back to the United States, arriving Tuesday with her leg still immobilized. Vonn revealed on social media that her injury was more extensive than initially reported and that she is preparing for further surgical intervention.
“This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest of my life. I still have not reach to terms that he is gone,” Vonn wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The day I crashed, so did Leo.”
Leo, a companion of 13 years, had recently battled and survived lymphoma, but Vonn explained that his health had deteriorated. “He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind,” she said. Vonn recounted saying goodbye to Leo while in her hospital bed the day after the crash.
Vonn described Leo as a constant source of support throughout her career, recalling his presence during difficult times, including her recovery from a previous ACL injury and while she watched the Sochi Olympics. “He held me on the sofa… He lifted me up when I was down. He layed by me, and cuddle me, always making me feel safe and loved,” she wrote.
The crash occurred nine days after Vonn had ruptured her ACL, adding to the physical and emotional toll she is currently experiencing. Vonn is scheduled to undergo another surgery on Wednesday, according to her social media post, but has not yet provided a detailed update on the extent of her leg injury.
Vonn had owned Leo for 13 years, and described him as her “first love.”
