American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn is enduring one of the most emotionally devastating periods of her life, revealing the death of her beloved dog Leo just days after suffering a serious leg injury at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
The 41-year-old Olympic champion shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional social media post shortly after returning to the United States, where she continues to undergo treatment following a brutal crash during the women’s downhill event. Vonn described the loss of Leo—her companion of more than a decade—as one of the hardest experiences she has ever faced, made even more painful by the timing, coming while she was still in recovery from her injuries.
“This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest of my life,” she wrote, alongside photos of Leo throughout their years together. “I still have not come to terms that he is gone.”
Leo, whom Vonn adopted from an animal shelter in 2014, had already survived significant health challenges. After recovering from a knee injury caused by a car accident before she adopted him, he later battled lymphoma and, more recently, lung cancer. According to Vonn, his health declined rapidly around the same time she was hospitalized following her Olympic crash.
“He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind,” she explained, recalling the moment she had to say goodbye from her hospital bed. “As I lay in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy. I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time.”
The emotional toll has been compounded by the physical trauma Vonn sustained in Italy. During the high-speed downhill race, she lost control early in the run after cutting a line too tightly, sending her airborne before she crashed violently onto the course. She was heard screaming in pain before medical teams rushed in to stabilize her and transport her by helicopter to a nearby hospital.
Doctors later confirmed she had suffered a complex fracture to her tibia, an injury severe enough to require multiple surgeries. Vonn has already undergone four procedures overseas and is now preparing for a fifth operation in the United States as part of her long road to recovery.
The journey home itself was a major undertaking. Due to the extent of her injury, Vonn required coordinated medical support to travel safely from Italy back to the U.S., including assistance at every stage—from hospital discharge to airport transfer and in-flight care. In videos shared online, she showed the logistical effort required just to move her safely, expressing gratitude to the medical teams who made the trip possible.
“My leg is still in pieces… but I’m finally home,” she wrote. “Thankful to all of the medical staff who helped me get home.”
For Vonn, the physical rehabilitation ahead is daunting, but it is the emotional loss of Leo that appears to weigh most heavily. The dog had been a constant source of comfort throughout her career, including during previous injuries that sidelined her from competition. She recalled how Leo stayed by her side during her second ACL injury, comforting her as she watched the Sochi Olympics from home.
“He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He lay by me and cuddled me, always making me feel safe and loved,” she wrote. “We have been through so much together in 13 years.”
Leo was part of a close-knit group of pets in Vonn’s life, which also included Lucy—who passed away last year—and Chance. In her tribute, she expressed comfort in the belief that Leo is now reunited with Lucy and other loved ones she has lost over the years, including family members.
“There will never be another Leo,” she wrote. “He will always be my first love.”
The coming weeks will be critical for Vonn’s recovery as she undergoes additional surgery and begins the long process of regaining mobility. She acknowledged that her injury is more complex than initially thought and that fully understanding the implications for her future—both athletically and personally—will take time.
“I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead,” she shared.
Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, Vonn has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and the broader sporting community. Messages of encouragement have poured in from around the world, reflecting her status as one of the most respected and admired figures in winter sports.
As she prepares for another surgery and the next phase of her rehabilitation, Vonn says she will carry Leo’s memory with her through every step of the recovery process.
“I will love you forever my big boy,” she wrote in her final farewell.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
