Norwegian Olympic bronze medalist Audun Groenveld died Tuesday after being struck by lightning over the weekend. He was 49.
Groenveld was reportedly struck by lightning while on a trip to his family’s cabin July 12. He was transported to the hospital, where he died days after the incident. The Norwegian Ski Association confirmed Groenveld’s death, calling him an “outstanding athlete.”
Norwegian Ski Association president Tove Moe Dyrhaug issued a statement, saying Groenveld’s death will leave a “huge void” in the skiing community.
“Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities. Audun had a great career in both alpine skiing and ski cross, before becoming the national ski cross coach. The Norwegian Ski Association also remembers his efforts on the ski board. There will be a big void after Audun.”
Groenveld was known for alpine skiing earlier in his career. He eventually took up freestyle skiing, winning the bronze at the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships in 2005. His performance in the sport resulted in Groenveld competing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where he earned the bronze medal in the men’s ski cross freestyle event.
Following his Olympics career, Groenveld served as a Norwegian national team coach and sat on the Norwegian Ski Association board.
Groenveld also served as a TV commentator for the sport.
