The skiing world is mourning the loss of former U.S. alpine skier TJ Lanning, who passed away at age 41. His death was confirmed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard on July 7, leaving a void in the tight-knit community that knew him both on and off the slopes.
Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn was among the first to publicly honor her longtime friend. In a heartfelt Instagram story, Vonn posted an older photo of Lanning and wrote, “TJ (aka crowbar jr) – we’ve known each other since we were 12. 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.”
Lanning’s career reached its peak when he represented the United States at the 2007 World Championships in Sweden. He had previously earned the No. 1 junior ranking in both slalom and super-G in 2001, signaling a bright future. However, a fractured neck and left knee injury in November 2009 forced him into early retirement.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard released a statement expressing deep sadness over his passing: “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. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and children during this difficult time.”
Those who knew Lanning best remember him for more than his athletic achievements. His obituary paints a vivid picture of a man who lived with intensity and loyalty: “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.”
The obituary also noted his deep care for loved ones: “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 publicly at this time. As the skiing community processes this loss, many are reflecting on the bonds formed through years of competition and camaraderie. Vonn’s tribute echoes the sentiments of many who shared the slopes with Lanning.
For more on the broader sports landscape, check out Suni Lee's comeback plans for the 2028 LA Olympics and our earlier coverage of Lanning's passing. Additionally, the recent IOC's decision on Russia's Olympic future has sparked widespread discussion.
