Tragic Incident: Pro Skier and Partner Found Deceased, Bodies Linked Together
In a heartbreaking event, professional skier Jean Daniel Pession and his partner Elisa Arlian were discovered deceased with their bodies connected after a fatal plunge of over 2,000 feet from an Italian mountain.
Pro Skier and Girlfriend Dead After Mountain Fall, Bodies 'Tied Together'
Courtesy of Jean Daniel Pession/Instagram
Professional skier Jean Daniel Pession and his girlfriend Elisa Arlian tragically passed away after falling over 2,000 feet off Mount Zerbion in northern Italy.
The Italian Winter Sports Federation confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement released on Saturday, June 1. Pession, aged 28, was a talented member of the Italian World Cup ski team. He achieved 15th place in the 2021 World Cup finals and 22nd place in the 2022 World Championship held in France.
The bodies of the couple were discovered by RAI, the national public broadcasting company. They were found "still tied together" underneath the snow. It took a long time of flying over the area to find them, as there were no signs on the rock indicating that they had fallen.
The pair set out "early in the morning" to climb a peak they both knew well. Unfortunately, they did not come back as expected, so their families contacted the authorities.
After a search, rescuers were able to locate the bodies with the help of a signal from one of their cell phones.
Pro Skier and Girlfriend Dead After Mountain Fall, Bodies 'Tied Together'
Courtesy of Elisa Arlian/Instagram
"Two young lives tragically lost in a mountain accident, the same mountain they loved," shared Alberto Bertin, President of Aosta Valley’s Regional Council, as reported by RAI. "During this difficult time, we stand with the families, friends, and the sports community, offering our heartfelt support and sympathy."
Renzo Tostolin, the president of Aosta Valley where Mount Zerbion is situated, expressed his condolences, mourning the passing of the region's young residents.
In January 2023, Pession shared a lovely black-and-white photo of the couple at a friend's wedding, with the caption: "Here's to another hundred years of this ❤️."
Arlian, 27, worked as a ski instructor and often shared pictures of her outdoor escapades on Instagram. Her latest post in March featured a trip to Norway that she had been dreaming about for a while.
After hearing about their tragic deaths, Pession and Arlian's social media channels were filled with comments.
One person wrote on Pession's page, "I'm really sorry for the loss of this amazing couple. My thoughts are with their family and friends during this tough time."
One person expressed, "There are no words or comfort that can ease the pain of these tragedies."
As reported by The Mirror, the funerals for Pession and Arlian are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 4th.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic loss of Jean Daniel Pession and Elisa Arlian is a heart-wrenching reminder of the risks inherent in mountain sports. As skilled skiers and experienced climbers, their untimely demise underscores the unpredictable nature of the wilderness. Their deep love for the mountains, as evidenced by their frequent social media posts, makes their departure all the more poignant. The discovery of their bodies still tied together suggests a shared passion for adventure, cut short in a cruel twist of fate.
The outpouring of grief and condolences from the sports community and beyond speaks to the esteem in which Pession and Arlian were held. Their achievements as skiers and their love for the outdoors will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their dreams while fostering a greater appreciation for the beauty and danger of nature. The scheduled funerals on June 4th will provide an opportunity for their families, friends, and the wider community to come together and mourn their loss while celebrating their extraordinary lives.
