Manslaughter Investigation After Ski Racer Death
She died in an accident in training on the Grawand G1 slope at the Schnalstaler Glacier in South Tyrol in October 2024.
We reported on the tragedy at the time on PlanetSKI:
A slope safety chief, Lukas Tumler, and one of Lorenzi’s coaches, Angelo Weiss, are being investigated by the Bolano Prosecutor’s Office.
The inquiry is looking into whether negligence or safety procedural lapses contributed to the fatal incident.
Independent forensic reports commissioned by her family suggest that Lorenzi’s injuries, particularly severe impact to the thorax leading to cardiac arrest, were inconsistent with a simple forward fall.
The analysis suggested a potential factor in the crash: a raised track edge, possibly created by a snow-groomer, that may have caused her fatal loss of control.
Investigators are now focused on establishing whether there were proper obstacle mitigation measures in place, such as protective netting or track modifications.
The investigation marks a new development shifting the focus from accidental tragedy to potential accountability for safety failures.
Gurgl World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI
The safety of athletes, particularly speed skiers, has risen to the top of the agenda after a series of recent crashes:
- Athlete safety moves to top of agenda after racer death
- Italian ski racer dies after training crash in Chile
- Promising French ski racer dies in training accident
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation has vowed to improve the situation and has introduced new measures:
19-year-old Matilde Lorenzi was part of the Italian army group and a member of the third national team.
She came from Sestriere and was considered an athlete with great potential.
She had won 2 Italian championship titles and competed in the European Cup.
At the last Junior World Championships, she finished 6th (downhill), 8th (super-G) and 4th (team combination).
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The mission: safety on skis
The Matilde Lorenzi Foundation aims to promote and develop projects focused on safety in skiing, ensuring that every athlete — regardless of age or level — can enjoy the sport in a conscious and protected environment.
Its mission stands on three core principles: education, prevention and support.
Education means equipping young athletes and those around them with the knowledge to recognise and manage risks.
Prevention means acting before accidents happen — improving safety procedures, investing in training and awareness, and fostering the development of innovative protective technologies.
One of the Foundation’s key goals is to identify, develop and promote new technological solutions that enhance athlete protection, making skiing ever safer and more forward-looking.
Supporting “Mati4Safety” means offering concrete and ongoing help to anyone who shares this commitment to safety — turning Matilde’s memory into a lasting legacy of awareness and responsibility.
At its core lies a belief that prevention and education save lives, and that building a culture of safety is essential to the future of the sport.
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