The figure skating world is in mourning after the shocking death of 23-year-old Julia Marie Gaiser — a rising star whose brilliance on the ice was cut short in a devastating road accident in Austria.
Rushed to the scene
Gaiser, originally from Brixen (Bressanone) in South Tyrol, northern Italy, had been cycling when tragedy struck. Local reports say she was riding across a busy junction last Thursday when she was hit by a truck. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but attempts to save her life failed. Authorities believe she died instantly.
Flowers and candles were soon placed at the roundabout where the tragedy occurred. Exactly how the collision happened is still unclear, but according to Krone, the 47-year-old truck driver tested negative for alcohol.
The driver involved in the accident was comforted at the scene by clergy.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
