Matteo Franzoso: Italian Alpine Skiing Mourns Loss of Promising Athlete
Italian skier Matteo Franzoso passed away on Monday, September 16, 2025, at the age of 25, following injuries sustained during a training accident in Chile. The athlete died at a clinic in Santiago, Chile, having succumbed to cerebral edema resulting from a fall on the slope at La Parva, approximately 50 kilometers from the Chilean capital.
The accident occurred on Saturday, September 14, during a training session in preparation for the 2024-2025 season. Matteo Franzoso was set to celebrate his 26th birthday the day after his passing.
FIS Statement on Athlete Safety
The International Ski Federation (FIS) issued an official statement and open letter on athlete safety following Matteo Franzoso's death. FIS expressed profound sadness at this tragedy and reaffirmed its commitment to athlete safety during training and competition.
Sep 19, 2025 · Inside FIS
Flavio Roda, President of the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), stated: "This is a tragedy for his family and for our sport. It is absolutely necessary to do everything possible to ensure such dramas do not happen again."
A Second Tragedy
This loss comes less than a year after the death of Matilde Lorenzi, another member of Italy's national alpine ski team, creating a particularly painful shockwave within the Italian skiing community.
Career Highlights
Matteo Franzoso distinguished himself in junior categories, notably finishing fourth in downhill at the 2020 Junior World Championships in Narvik, Norway. This result demonstrated his potential in speed disciplines.
A member of the Italian national team, Matteo Franzoso was actively preparing for the upcoming season and held ambitions of competing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.