MIKAELA SHIFFRIN HEARTBROKEN BY FATHER’S DEATH
3rd February 2020
Last modified on May 15th, 2021
The US ski racer is in mourning after her father, Jeff Shiffrin, died unexpectedly at the weekend. Tributes and condolences are being paid by the ski world. UPDATED
The overall World Cup leader posted the news on her social media accounts.
“My family is heartbroken beyond comprehension about the unexpected passing of my kindhearted, loving, caring, patient, wonderful father,” she said.
She has asked for privacy for her family “as we grieve during this unimaginable and devastating time”.
A former ski racer, Jeff Shiffrin was 65 and an anaesthiologist at the University of Colorado.
He treated many injured skiers and riders.
News reports from the USA say he died after an accident at home near Vail.
Mikaela Shiffrin is leading the Overall World Cup standings.
The 24-year-old is also currently 1st in the Slalom, 2nd in the Giant Slalom and Downhill and 3rd in the Super G standings.
She did not travel to Russia for yesterday’s Super G in Rosa Khutor.
It is not clear when she will return to alpine World Cup tour.
She travelled back home to Colorado from Europe with her mother, Eileen, at the weekend after the accident.
The whole family including her brother, Taylor, and close friends were present during Jeff Shiffrin’s final hours.
The US Ski & Snowboard Team said all their love and prayers went out to Mikaela, Taylor and Eileen Shiffrin and the rest of the family.
“I am without words today as we mourn the loss of Jeff Shiffrin,” said Tiger Shaw, CEO of the Team.
“Jeff was a good friend and we will all miss him terribly.
“Our—and the entire ski world’s—thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Jeff Shiffrin was a keen photographer, travelling often to World Cup races to photograph his daughter and other US team athletes.
“Extremely proud of his daughter, he was rarely in a team picture on the podium because he was always behind the camera capturing the moment,” US Ski & Snowboard said in a statement on its website.
“His contributions to all aspects of the skiing and riding world are immeasurable.”
Thousands of messages of condolence have been posted on Mikaela Shiffrin’s Facebook page.
