Italian Ski Racer Dies After Training Crash in Chile
16th September 2025
Italian ski racer Matteo Franzoso has died after a training crash at La Parva, Chile. He suffered a fatal head injury when he was thrown forward into a fence during practice. FIS and Italy’s Ski Federation express condolences. UPDATED
The 25-year-old Italian athlete did not recover from a head injury and resulting cerebral edema, which occurred after a fall on Saturday during training on the La Parva track.
He fell on the first small jump on the training course and was thrown forward toward the fences.
He skied over two rows of nets and hit the fence positioned 6-7 meters from the course.
He was reached immediately by air ambulance and admitted to the intensive care unit of the Santiago hospital and placed in a medically induced coma.
Local health officials announced the news, having informed the Italian Winter Sport Federation, FISI.
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Matteo Franzoso made 17 World Cup starts, with his best performance a 28th-place finish in the super-G at Cortina d’Ampezzo in 2023.
The Italian national team athlete grew up skiing in Sestriere, and would have been 26 today, Tuesday 16th September.
“This is a tragedy for his family and for our sport,” said the FISI president, Flavio Roda.
“It is absolutely necessary to do everything possible so that such incidents are not repeated.”
“At this sad and painful time, I want to tell all athletes and coaches, in all sports, that the Federation is by their side and that they will find all the support they need.
“I ask for the utmost respect for Matteo’s family, whom we will stand by for as long as necessary.”
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation, FIS, said it was “deeply saddened” by Franzoso’s death.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) extends its deepest condolences following the tragic loss of Matteo Franzoso. 💙
The 25-year-old Italian skier passed away in Santiago, Chile, after a fall during training on the La Parva slope. pic.twitter.com/8XAFozaKtQ
— FIS Alpine (@fisalpine) September 15, 2025
Franzoso’s death comes almost a year after Italian junior champion and Europa Cup racer Matilde Lorenzi died after a fall at the Italian ski resort of Val Senales.
Here at PlanetSKI we will bring you further details and reaction.
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