Olympian tragically killed at just 24
Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica, who only just competed for the United States in the 2022 Beijing Games has tragically passed away at the age of 24.
Gasienica died as a result of a motorcycle accident in the village of Bull Valley, located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, according to the Bull Valley Police Department.
USA Nordic took to Twitter to share tribute for the late ski champ.
“USA Nordic and the Ski Jumping community are saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick Gasienica,” they began their post.
“A 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian, Patrick was an incredible competitor, teammate and friend. He will be dearly missed.
“Rest in peace, Patrick #SkiJumpingFamily #TeamUSA."
The U.S Ski & Snowboard Team also posted on Twitter about his tragic death.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing [of] Patrick Gasienica, an incredible athlete, teammate and person.
"Sending love to his family, friends and the entire ski jumping community."
Gasienica finished 49th and 53rd in individual events at the Beijing Olympics and secured 10th place in a team competition with Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner and Decker Dean.
“We don’t really have a lot of jumpers, but it’s getting better,” Gasienica said in 2022 in China.
“Especially since the pandemic, a lot of different kids are joining the different clubs around America. Hopefully in a couple of years — five, 10, maybe — we’ll have a really, really great team.”
Image credit: Twitter