Lindsey Vonn and the skiing community learned last week that former American alpine skier TJ Lanning passed away. He was 41.
Lanning, who earned the No. 1 juniors ranking for slalom and super-G in 2001, represented the United States at the 2007 World Championships in Sweden. He retired after suffering a fractured neck and left knee injury in November 2009. His death was confirmed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard on July 7.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of TJ Lanning, a former U.S. Ski Team alpine skier and coach whose impact on our sport went far beyond his years of competition,” U.S. Ski & Snowboard said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and children during this difficult time.”
Earlier this week, Vonn paid tribute to Lanning with a heartfelt message on Instagram. The three-time Olympic medalist also shared an older photo of Lanning.
"TJ (aka crowbar jr) – we’ve known each other since we were 12," Von wrote on her Instagram story. "We shared a lot of memories on the mountain. I hope you are at peace my friend. We will all miss you. Until we meet again."
© Guy Rhodes-Imagn Images.
Gone too soon.
While his skills on the slopes were undeniable, Lanning's loved ones raved about his personality behind the scenes.
"TJ will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his loyalty, and his willingness to always speak his mind. If you were his friend, you knew he would stand by you when it mattered most. He pushed his skiing to, and sometimes beyond, the thin red line, and he brought that same intensity to every part of his life, making his presence felt wherever he went," his obituary states. "He cared deeply for the people he loved and always wished he could make life easier for those around him. He gave of himself, and often expected more of himself than anyone else did."
No cause of death has been shared at this time. Our thoughts remain with Lanning's friends and family members.
