A young figure skater has tragically lost her life after being struck by a truck in Austria.
Julia Marie Gaiser, 23, was out riding her bike when she was hit at a busy junction. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and tried to resuscitate her, but she died from her injuries before she could be taken to the hospital.
Authorities in Salzburg have launched an investigation into the crash, which happened last Thursday. Police confirmed the truck driver tested negative for alcohol at the scene.
Gaiser was a rising star in the skating world. She previously competed for the Italian national team before switching to represent Austria, where she became a three-time Salzburg state champion in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The town’s mayor, Andreas Jungman, shared his condolences: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Gaiser family. This is a great loss, especially for the world of sport.”
Tributes have been pouring in on social media. Fans wrote messages like, “Gone too soon,” “Such a loss for the world,” and “Rest in peace, Julia.”
Anneliese Schenk of the Italian Ice Sports Federation remembered Gaiser for her determination and passion: “She started skating later than most, around eight years old, but she still achieved incredible results thanks to her daily training. Skating was her whole world, and she lived the sport with immense passion.”