Since the women’s downhill final crash, Lindsey Vonn’s path has been filled with severe challenges. The 41-year-old skiing legend has undergone at least four surgeries in Italy to repair a complex tibia fracture in her left leg. However, as she was ready to head back to the United States to receive further medical care, the American skier revealed a source of pain far deeper than her physical injuries.

On Instagram, Vonn announced, stating, “Leo Vonn ✝️🤍 2013-2/9/2026 Leo has passed away and joined Lucy and Bear up in heaven 🪽” The timing of the loss is almost too cruel. “This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest oh life. I still have not come to terms that he is gone…” she wrote in pain.

“The day I crashed, so did Leo. He had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer (he survived lymphoma a year and a half ago) but now his heart was failing him. He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind,” Vonn said, writing about her pet’s condition. “As I layed 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. I can’t believe it.”

For Vonn, her pets are her own. And they have acted as emotional anchors for her when she has suffered multiple injuries throughout her skiing career. Leo’s story with the American skier began in 2014. The dog was rescued from a Florida shelter that had overlooked him because of his bad knee from being hit by a car. “Maybe we can do rehab together!” she wrote back then.

At the time, Vonn was facing yet another physical setback, having just dropped out of the Sochi Games due to her injuries. In her tribute, she continued, writing, “My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most. He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He layed by me, and cuddle me, always making me feel safe and loved. We have been through so much together in 13 years.”

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The loss of Leo comes after the death of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lucy, who passed away on March 30, 2025, following a previously announced diagnosis of kidney failure. And navigating such a painful moment won’t be easy for Vonn.

“It’s going to be a while before I emotionally process things but I know he will always be with me. I know he’s up there with Lucy and Bear and my mom and grandparents and so many people I have lost in the past few years. Andi takes splice knowing he’s not in pain anymore,” she admitted. “There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love. Heading in for more surgery today. Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes. I will love you forever my big boy 🤍”

The 41-year-old also posted a picture on her IG, recalling Bear (left), Leo (right bottom), and Lucy (right top), stating, “My family that’s up in heaven.” Previously, she did mention how close she is to her pets.

They are Lindsey Vonn’s support system

Lindsey Vonn got her family and her millions of fans behind her whenever things weren’t going right. But this support system also includes her pets.

“Dogs are the best medicine in times like these… I adopted Leo right before my 2nd ACL surgery and he’s been with me through all my surgeries since. Leo was hit by a car before I adopted him and he’s got almost as many screws in his leg as I do. He never likes it when I cry but he always knows when I’m hurt and he doesn’t leave my side. I think he knows what it feels like. Just thankful I have my pups,” the American skier once wrote in an Instagram post.

The then-10-year-old Leo had become a seasoned companion of Vonn through her many successes and hurdles. However, before the Milan Games, their bond faced a severe challenge, as the dog was diagnosed with cancer.

And Vonn kept her entire fanbase updated about Leo’s health, but eventually, he passed away on February 9, 2026, just a day after the skier’s crash. The American was willing to risk chasing her dreams on the mountain, but losing Leo off the slopes will be the hardest loss to recover from. Rest in Peace, Leo.