A tragic incident has claimed the life of a newly married fitness influencer following a devastating road accident involving a former downhill skier in northern Italy. Laura Viktoria Hartig, aged 30, sustained critical injuries in a collision with a motorcycle while cycling through the Dolomites during her honeymoon and has sadly passed away.
The German social media personality, who had amassed over 51,000 followers on Instagram, had recently tied the knot with her husband Tilman just days before embarking on their honeymoon to the mountains.
The unfortunate crash occurred on June 23 on the Passo Sella mountain pass. Reports indicate that Laura collided head-on with a motorcycle ridden by former Italian downhill skier Peter Runggaldier while descending a series of bends. The impact of the collision was so severe that Laura’s bicycle was torn in two, and both riders were thrown several meters onto the road.
Emergency responders, including two rescue helicopters, swiftly arrived at the scene, and Laura was airlifted to a hospital in Bolzano in critical condition. She was later transferred to a specialized clinic in Bavaria, Germany, to be nearer to her family. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Laura succumbed to her injuries on Sunday after nearly three weeks in intensive care.
Runggaldier, who sustained multiple fractures and abdominal injuries, survived the crash. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic collision.
In a poignant message on Instagram, Runggaldier requested privacy and compassion in light of the accident. Laura was renowned for sharing her outdoor adventures in the Alps through videos of hiking, cycling, and other activities.
In a heart-wrenching final Instagram post preceding the accident, Laura shared footage from her wedding ceremony in the Dolomites, where she and her husband exchanged vows amidst the mountains and loved ones. The post was captioned “Soulmate for life.”
Italian police issued a statement on Facebook regarding the road accident at Passo Sella, emphasizing the involvement of a motorcycle and a bicycle, which resulted in temporary traffic disruption.
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