Tributes are pouring in after champion figure skater Julia Marie Gaiser died in a devastating road accident.
The 23-year-old figure skater was struck by a lorry while cycling on a bike route in Salzburg.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but medics could not revive her. She was pronounced dead there.
Authorities say early signs suggest she may have been caught in the driver’s blind spot when the vehicle turned.
Beloved athlete remembered
Gaiser, born in Brixen, was a three-time Salzburg state champion and a fierce competitor for Austria. She skated with Rot-Weiß Salzburg and had recently been preparing to coach.
Friends described her as “kind, determined, and always smiling.”
“She repeated exercises alone, trained beyond the schedule, always trying to improve,” one said, via Il Messaggero.
“She loved her sport and wanted to pass on her passion to others. For her, skating wasn’t just a sport—it was true love.”
Community in shock
Andreas Jungmann, mayor of her hometown, said: “We are all deeply shocked. She was not only an outstanding athlete, but a role model for many. On behalf of Brixen, we offer our deepest condolences.”
The Salzburg Ice Team also paid tribute.
“With her talent, discipline, and charisma, she left an unforgettable mark on the ice. Away from sports, Julia was radiant. Her laughter and shining eyes filled every room.”
The club added: “She inspired even the youngest children, teaching them with enthusiasm and patience.”
Tributes at the scene
Candles and flowers have been laid at the crash site as friends, teammates, and fans remember the young star.
Her parents, Markus and Elke, survive her.
The Red Cross confirmed she had suffered fatal injuries despite desperate attempts to save her life.
Gaiser had already achieved state-level glory and carried the ambition to shape future generations of skaters.
Friends say she was determined to work as a coach and give back to the sport she loved.
“She never shied away from hard work,” one said. “She was a special athlete who encouraged herself and others.”
Julia Marie Gaiser was just 23.
Featured image credit: Julia Marie Gaiser/instagram
