Industry News
The family of deceased ski racer Matilde Lorenzi have jumped into action to find purpose after the tragic death of their “Matildina.” Just a day after the tragic passing of the Italian champion skier, her father announced the #Matildina4Safety project. The fundraiser aims to improve safety for alpine skiers through funding research into new technologies that can improve safety for ski racers. Lorenzi had died following a training crash on the Schnalstal Glacier/Val Senales Glacier in South Tyrol, Italy, on October 28. The 19-year-old Italian athlete had crashed onto the icy piste face first, suffering devastating injuries in the process. She was airlifted in critical condition to a hospital in Bolzano but succumbed to her injuries in the night.
Matilde’s sister Lucrezia, who is also an Alpine ski racer, shared her raw grief on her social media account:
“A few days ago, our life changed. The giant with a heart of gold has left us. I’m not sure who wanted to take you away so soon, but surely they needed you so much. You leave us with an immense, devastating void; I’ve been missing the air since Monday morning. The thought that we can no longer do things together in person devastates me but I am sure that you will guide me in my future choices. It’s difficult and very hard for those you left behind here, but we already feel that you protect us from up there. You are special, Mati, and not just for us. I am immensely grateful to have had you as a sister. Have a good ride, Matildina, keep going like this, you are free.”
Just two weeks from her 20th birthday, the young Army officer died, leaving behind her grieving parents Elena and Adolofo, as well as three siblings: sister Lucrezia, and her brothers Giosué and Matteo, all of whom also ski athletes. Her boyfriend Federico Tomasoni, fellow Army officer and World Cup ski cross racer, shared a black and white photo of Matilde on his Instagram story, captured: “Fly higher and higher my princess. Forever…I promise.”
Family, friends, and teammates have been devastated by the loss of the young talent. Matilde’s family announced their plan to turn the devastating loss into a project the day after her passing, with father Adolfo stating, “We believe that what happened to Matilde must be an opportunity,” and asked for donations to the project in lieu of flowers. Matilde Lorenzi’s funeral was held on Thursday, October 31.
The #Matildina4Safety project seeks to improve helmets and neck and head protection systems to reduce trauma and impacts to the chest, trunk, and abdomen. The family hopes that the funds can help with the involvement of leading companies in the sector, including universities and research institutes, to improve skier safety. The family seeks to fund the development of prototypes of new safety equipment that could eventually help save another young athlete’s life. “We need to have a device that better protects a skier at the moment of impact,” Adolfo Lorenzi added.
To support the project “Matildina4Safety”, donations can be made by bank transfer, IBAN: IT35D0304830520000000000205.
