Swedish big mountain skier Matilda Rapaport died after she was swallowed up by an avalanche while filming a video in Chile.
The 30-year-old standout on the freeskiing circuit recently married Swedish World Cup skier Mattias Hargin.
According to her photographer friend Mattias Fredriksson, although the pioneer skier was still breathing after being rescued, she remained under the snow for a “lengthy” amount of time causing severe oxygen deprivation, thrusting her into a coma. Rapport died on July 18th only four days after the tragic event.
“Matilda was such an amazing person, always happy and with a positive attitude toward life and skiing,” Fredriksson lamented. “She was a phenomenal role model for other women skiers and also pushed the boundaries in big mountain skiing. My thoughts are with her husband and their family. I cannot even understand how it feels for them in this tragic moment, but I hope we all can remember the great memories of Matilda. She never took things for granted. Instead, she was grateful for all the opportunities that came her way.”
Watch Matilda negotiate a treacherous downhill ski route here:
FWT13 – Mathilda Rapaport – Xtreme Verbier by FreerideWorldTourTV
Powder.com reported that Alicia Cenci, head of account management for the Freeride World Tour, confirmed the nature of Matilda’s passing and expressed her deep condolences to Rappaport’s family and loved ones:
“This is a huge shock for the freeride community and the FWT family,” Cenci said. “Matilda was the embodiment of excellence, on and off the mountain. She marked the history of female freeskiing and will be deeply missed. The FWT is sending its thoughts, deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Matilda Rapaport during this very difficult time.”
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