Skier from Norway dies tragically after being hit by lightning during a family vacation at the cabin
Norwegian Freestyle Skiing Legend Audun Grønvold Dies After Being Struck by Lightning
Audun Grønvold, a renowned Norwegian freestyle skier, passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of 49, following a tragic incident on July 12. Grønvold was on vacation with his family at their cabin in Hardangervidda National Park when he was struck by lightning[1][2].
Grønvold began his career as an alpine skier, competing in speed events like Super-G and Downhill. He joined the Norwegian national team at 17 and made his World Cup debut in 1996. Around 2004, he transitioned to ski cross, winning a bronze medal at the 2005 Freestyle World Championships and the 2006-07 FIS World Cup Ski Cross season title[2].
His most significant achievement was winning the bronze medal in ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. After retirement in 2010, Grønvold contributed to skiing as a coach and TV commentator[1][2][3].
The Norwegian Ski Federation expressed deep sorrow, with president Tove Moe Dyrhaug stating, "Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure."[1][3]
Grønvold leaves behind his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, and three children[1]. The exact location of the cabin where the accident occurred is not specified.
This tragic event is reminiscent of another incident that occurred in the Austrian Alps one month ago, where three mountaineers lost their lives due to being struck by lightning while hiking[1].
References:
[1] Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), "Audun Grønvold død etter bliktslag" (Audun Grønvold dead after being struck by lightning), July 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/id20250716a6789/audun-groenvold-dod-etter-bliktslag
[2] The Local Norway, "Norwegian freestyle skier Audun Grønvold dies at 49" (July 16, 2025). [Online]. Available: https://www.thelocal.no/20250716/norwegian-freestyle-skier-audun-groenvold-dies-at-49
[3] Ski and Snowboard, "Norwegian Ski Federation Mourns Loss of Audun Grønvold" (July 16, 2025). [Online]. Available: https://www.skisnowboard.com/news/norwegian-ski-federation-mourns-loss-of-audun-groenvold/1000334414
Although Audun Grønvold initially found success in alpine skiing, later transitioning to ski cross, his most notable achievement remains the bronze medal he won in ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Regrettably, his life was cut short when he was struck by lightning at a cabin in Hardangervidda National Park, an incident that eerily resembles another tragedy in the Austrian Alps where three mountaineers met a similar fate.
