Olympic Ski Cross Medalist Audun Grønvold Dies at 49 After Lightning Strike — Details

One of Norway's most accomplished ski athletes and a 2010 Olympic medalist has tragically died. As the skiing world responds to the sudden loss, tributes from his hometown highlight where his journey began and how his influence extended far beyond competition.

Audun Grønvold, a former Olympic ski cross medalist and national alpine team athlete, has died at the age of 49.

According to the Norwegian Ski Federation, on July 16, 2025, Grønvold passed away after being struck by lightning during a cabin trip. He was quickly transported to the hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries during the night.

Grønvold was born in 1976 in Hamar, Norway. He was a long-time member of Norway's national alpine skiing team, competing from the 1993/94 season through to 2003/04. Following his alpine career, he transitioned to ski cross, where he achieved significant success on the international stage.

In ski cross, Grønvold earned a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He also secured a World Championship bronze and claimed the overall Ski Cross World Cup title in 2007. His achievements marked him as one of Norway's top performers in the sport.

Beyond his athletic career, Grønvold played a key role in developing skiing in Norway. He worked as an expert commentator for NRK, recognized for his communication skills and deep knowledge of the sport.

"Norsk skiing has lost a significant figure who meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities. Audun had a fantastic career in both alpine and ski cross before becoming the national team coach in ski cross. The Norwegian Ski Federation also remembers his contributions on the board. There will be a great void after Audun," said ski federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug.

Grønvold's passing has deeply affected those who knew him, including his family, friends, and former colleagues.

At the local level, the news of his death resonated deeply with the Hamar Alpine Center, Lierberget, and Vang Ski Club — the institutions where his journey in skiing began.

In a heartfelt statement, the community reflected on Grønvold's early ties to the slopes of Lierberget, which they described as his second home. It was there that he developed the skills and passion that later defined his career.

Though his achievements on the world stage were remarkable, local club members remembered him most for his humility and consistent return to his roots.

Throughout his professional life, Grønvold remained closely connected to the sport beyond competition. He not only represented Norway internationally but also invested in the growth of the skiing community as a coach and mentor.

Members of his hometown clubs acknowledged both his athletic contributions and his dedication to fostering young talent, emphasizing the personal qualities that made him a respected figure both on and off the slopes.

Tributes also came from those who had worked with Grønvold during his career. Former coach Curtis Bacca expressed sadness over the loss of a man he described as not only a talented athlete but also a deeply respected individual.

Grønvold's passing follows a rare but devastating incident. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year.

The likelihood of being struck in a given year is estimated at less than one in a million. While most victims survive, risk factors include participation in outdoor recreation and seasonal exposure — conditions that may have been relevant during Grønvold's cabin trip at the time of the strike.

Grønvold's untimely death marks another somber moment for the sports world. Just months earlier, in April 2025, the skiing community mourned the loss of another young athlete following a fatal run on one of California's most challenging trails.

Ellery "Ellie" Curtis, a former NCAA ski racing standout and captain at Dartmouth College, died following a skiing accident at Palisades Tahoe. Curtis, 26, reportedly sustained a head injury while skiing. Despite the swift response of the ski patrol, she did not survive.

The incident happened on Saturday, April 5, on the Ahhh Chute trail — one of the more challenging runs accessible from the KT-22 lift, a famed part of the resort's terrain. It wasn't until Tuesday that the Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed it was her.

Curtis, originally from Waitsfield, Vermont, was remembered for her athletic talent, fierce determination, and unforgettable presence on the slopes.

"She was an amazing person, on and off the snow," said John Dwyer, her former coach at Dartmouth. "She was a tremendously hard worker, and I think she earned the respect of all her teammates."

A resort spokesperson, Patrick Lacey, said ski patrol provided immediate on-site care following the 3:45 p.m. incident. "Our thoughts go out to their loved ones during this difficult time," he stated.

Curtis' death deeply affected the skiing community and her alma mater. In a statement, Dartmouth described her as "an exceptional member of the Dartmouth family whose spirit, compassion, and drive left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered."

In their condolences, Palisades Tahoe expressed, "Our hearts go out to the Curtis family and everyone impacted by this devastating loss. Ellie was a beloved skier, and we are deeply saddened by this accident."

Curtis' impact on collegiate skiing was significant. Known for her "fearless" skiing style and leadership, she helped guide Dartmouth's team as captain. Her loss is being mourned across the national ski racing community, in Vermont, and among all those who knew her.

Curtis carved out an impressive collegiate skiing career at Dartmouth, marked by resilience, drive, and standout performances. During her senior season in 2022, she earned her first career win in the giant slalom at Middlebury.

The victory came in a replacement race for a canceled event in Vermont and was the highlight of a season filled with strong finishes. She reached the podium in all three races she completed that year, including third-place finishes in the slalom at Dartmouth and another GS event at Middlebury.

Her efforts earned her a spot on the All-America Second Team after placing eighth in the giant slalom at the NCAA Championships. She was also part of the All-East Second Team and continued her academic excellence as a three-time USCSCA National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team member.

Her earlier years at Dartmouth were just as noteworthy. As a freshman, she reached the podium in her first carnival, finishing second in the slalom at the Dartmouth Skiway. By her sophomore year, she had secured multiple podiums and consistently ranked in the top seven in Eastern collegiate races.

Undoubtedly, skiing talent ran in the family. Her father, Charles Curtis, is a Dartmouth alumnus from the Class of 1986. Curtis is survived by her father, mother, Katherine Dolan, and sister.

Curtis left a deep impression on those who knew her — both on the slopes and beyond. Dwyer, head coach of Dartmouth's women's alpine ski team, described her as one of the hardest-working athletes he had seen in a decade.

Her commitment extended beyond skiing; she was also a standout student and a determined competitor who constantly pushed the boundaries of her sport. Dwyer said Curtis quickly made a mark as a freshman, earning the team's "most improved" honor in 2019, and never looked back.

According to Dwyer, Curtis had the potential to reach the highest levels of ski racing, including the World Cup competition. However, she was eager to turn the page after graduation, ready to begin a new chapter.

Per her LinkedIn page, she graduated with a government and environmental studies degree. In September 2024, she moved to San Francisco and worked for the state's Public Utilities Commission until her demise.

Curtis was also part of Mike's Bikes Enduro Team outside collegiate skiing. In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, the team described her as more than a teammate, "she was family." They recalled her as someone whose energy and attitude united the group.

Curtis was known for her fierce independence, often choosing to ride uphill rather than take a lift, insisting that earning the descent made it worthwhile. Her teammates remembered her dominating the trails and inspiring others with her relentless spirit.