Lindsey Vonn Faces Heartbreak After Crash, Dog Dies

Lindsey Vonn is currently enduring a profound personal tragedy layered upon a significant professional setback. The accomplished Olympic medalist announced on social media that her dog, Leo, died on February 9, just after Vonn's own serious accident. Vonn herself had suffered a crash during a downhill competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo on February 8, which ended her hopes for the 2026 Olympics.

Receiving the news of Leo's passing from her hospital bed, Vonn described the recent days as "probably the hardest" of her life. Leo, who had been battling lung cancer and heart failure, had been a source of comfort for Vonn since 2013. She is finding solace in the thought of Leo reuniting with her other dogs and departed family members.

Vonn is scheduled for further surgery and acknowledged that her dog would be on her mind as she undergoes the procedure. She spent over a week in an Italian hospital following her crash, undergoing multiple surgeries before returning to the United States, though she reported on Monday that she is still unable to stand independently.