Jean Daniel Pession, a 27-year-old Italian World Cup speed skier who ranked 15th in 2021, and his 27-year-old girlfriend Elisa Arlian, both ski instructors, died in a tragic mountain accident while backcountry skiing above Champoluc in the Aosta Valley region of Italy.
The couple, who were passionate mountaineers, were roped together when they fell from a height of around 2,300 feet, sustaining fatal injuries.
Search and rescue efforts were initiated after the couple failed to return as expected. Their lifeless bodies were found embracing, with obvious fall injuries, after their families raised the alarm.
Pession, who was part of the voluntary rescue association Val d'Ayas, was known for his dedication to the sport despite his busy schedule. His best career result was a 15th place in the overall World Cup in 2021.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources include: 20min.ch, Snowbrains.com, Repubbica.it, Gala.de, People.com, Mirror.co.uk, Oasport.it, Ilgiornaleditalia.it, Corrieredellosport.it, Ilmessaggero.it, Quotidiano.net, Iltirreno.it, Gazzettadireggio.it, Lanuovaferrara.it, Napolimagazine.com, Lanuovasardegna.it, Gazzettadimodena.it, Ildolomiti.it, Open.online, Blick.ch, Valledaostaglocal.it, Fai.informazione.it, Controcopertina.com, Thesocialpost.it, and Unita.it.