Former U.S. Ski Team Athlete TJ Lanning Passes Away at 41

A Profound Loss for the Skiing Community

The U.S. Ski Team officially announced on Tuesday, July 7, the passing of former alpine skier and coach TJ Lanning. Lanning was 41 years old at the time of his death. As of now, the cause of his passing has not been disclosed to the public.

In a formal statement shared on social media, the U.S. Ski Team expressed their grief, noting that Lanning's influence on the sport extended well past his active years as a competitor. The organization extended its deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and children during this challenging period.

Career Highlights and Athletic Achievements

A native of Helena, Montana, Lanning was regarded as a standout talent in speed disciplines, including downhill, super-G, and combined racing. Industry experts frequently identified him as one of the most significant speed skiers of his era.

A pivotal moment in his professional journey arrived in 2008, when he secured the title of U.S. downhill champion. That same year, he successfully qualified for the World Cup Finals in downhill, where he earned a 25th-place finish in the downhill discipline and a 33rd-place finish in the super-G.

Transition from Competition to Coaching

Lanning’s competitive career concluded in 2009 following a severe racing accident. The crash resulted in a dislocated left knee and a fractured C5 vertebra. Due to the extent of these injuries, he was unable to return to professional racing and instead shifted his focus toward developing the next generation of athletes by assisting the U.S. Ski Team as a coach.

Tributes from Peers and Colleagues

The sporting community has responded to the news with an outpouring of affection and remembrance. Colleagues and former rivals have highlighted not only his athletic prowess but also his character.

«His smile lit up every ski hill he was on, and he brought so much energy to the people around him. Today our ski community has lost someone special,» shared Katie Twible, content director at Ski Racing Media.

Swiss alpine skier Carlo Janka also paid his respects, stating: «He was an incredible athlete and an even more wonderful human being.»