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Skiing Icon Lindsey Vonn Mourns the Loss of Beloved Dog, Lucy
Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has announced the heartbreaking news of the death of her cherished dog, Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, on Sunday night. The Olympic champion shared her grief over the passing of her nine-year-old companion, who had been suffering from kidney failure.
Loyal Companion Loses Battle with Illness
Earlier in the week, Vonn, age 40, revealed that Lucy, her nine-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel and devoted travel partner, was experiencing kidney failure. The celebrated skier had expressed concern about the prognosis before traveling to her Utah residence to be by Lucy’s side.
Five days following the initial somber update, Vonn conveyed the sorrowful news of Lucy’s passing through an extensive post on Instagram.
Heartfelt Tribute on Social Media
Accompanying a collection of images featuring Lucy and moments they shared, Vonn wrote a touching tribute: ‘Today my sweet, sweet Lucy departed from us. 9 years ago she entered my life, and from the very first instance to the very last, she brought such radiance and affection to me and everyone she encountered.’
‘We journeyed across the globe together, skied, hiked, biked, explored, descended waterfalls, ascended in hot air balloons, and attended the Olympics,’ she continued in her emotional message. ‘We embarked on countless incredible journeys together, and created a wealth of memories that I am profoundly fortunate to have experienced with her.’
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‘We even starred in our own television program! There were no limits to Lucy’s capabilities! She was perpetually fearless, always eager to embrace new experiences, consistently joyful, and offered boundless, unconditional love. Words will forever fall short of expressing the depth of my love for her, and my heart will remain eternally altered without her presence. There will never be another Lucy.’
Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn’s nine-year-old dog and travel companion Lucy passed away
Finding Solace in Remembrance
‘I find solace in knowing she is reunited with my Mom, Bear, and our family in heaven,’ Vonn added in her post. ‘I imagine them united, frolicking joyfully and free from suffering, perpetually guiding me and watching over me from above. This belief is essential to make the pain bearable.’
‘Lucy, you will forever be my guiding light. Until we reunite…I love you my princess.’
Gratitude for Veterinary Care
‘My sincere appreciation goes out to all the exceptional veterinarians who provided her with care over the years, and especially during her final days. You all exhausted every avenue to save her, and my gratitude is unending.’
Leo’s Continued Health and Remembrance
‘My dear Leo is thankfully still in remission and thriving at 12 years old. It’s returned to how it began… just Leo and me. I am grateful to still have him.’
Outpouring of Support from Fellow Athletes
Numerous athletes, including WNBA player Cameron Brink and tennis prodigy Coco Gauff, responded to Vonn’s post with messages of sympathy.
‘Sending you immense love,’ Brink conveyed, accompanied by a heart emoji. Gauff echoed the sentiment, writing ‘I am so sorry,’ followed by two hearts.
Emotional Return to Competition Preceded Loss
Vonn’s recent second-place finish in a World Cup super-G race marked a historic achievement in her comeback season. However, the celebrated skier departed Sun Valley with a burdened heart due to Lucy’s declining health condition.
‘I need to navigate this challenging situation… I’m in need of all the positive energy I can get,’ Vonn had stated, referencing her two other dogs, Leo and Jade.
Vonn has two other dogs, Jade and Leo, who recently ‘graduated from chemo treatment’
Lucy had long been a world traveler with Vonn, the ski star who recently made her comeback
Vacation Plans Altered by Dog’s Illness
Vonn had anticipated a relaxing vacation on the beaches of the Bahamas after a demanding season. Yet, Lucy’s diagnosis prompted a change in her travel arrangements. The renowned ski legend had previously mentioned that ‘private air travel is reserved for my dogs,’ highlighting Lucy’s frequent role as a global traveler alongside Vonn.
Just three months prior, in Copper Mountain, Colorado, Lucy was pictured comfortably resting in her bed within a cozy lodge, awaiting her owner’s return from training.
Vonn had brought Leo with her to Sun Valley. She had previously shared in November via Instagram that Leo had received a cancer diagnosis. In a positive update two months later, Vonn announced that Leo had ‘completed chemotherapy treatment’ successfully.
Comeback Season Culminates in Podium Finish Amidst Personal Grief
Vonn concluded her comeback season at the age of 40 with an impressive runner-up performance in the super-G. This achievement made her the most senior female Alpine ski racer to secure a World Cup podium position in nearly six years.
It marked her first World Cup podium finish since March 15, 2018. A year later, she earned a downhill bronze medal at the world championships before retiring from the sport, largely due to a problematic knee. Vonn underwent a partial knee replacement almost a year prior, which opened the door for her return to competitive ski racing.
Overwhelmed with emotion in the finish area on Sunday, Vonn’s vintage, high-speed, and aggressive run through the Sun Valley course secured her second-place result.
She is the oldest female Alpine ski racer to earn a World Cup podium spot by nearly six years
The skiing legend announced in November that Leo (right) had been diagnosed with cancer
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Vonn described her subsequent tears as a blend of joy, relief, pride, and gratitude for achieving a return to this level of competition.
‘I recognized that sometimes when peak performance is the only option, it elicits the best from me,’ Vonn explained, reflecting on her race. ‘I channeled every last bit of energy I possessed and strived to execute flawlessly. It honestly evoked a feeling akin to the Olympics.’
She specifically referenced her downhill victory at the 2010 Vancouver Games, an event she still finds deeply moving to watch.
‘This particular race will hold similar emotional weight,’ Vonn remarked regarding Sunday’s electrifying performance. ‘Even in recollection, it stirs deep emotion within me.’
Vonn concluded her season without significant physical discomfort, particularly in her right knee now reinforced with titanium. Her back experienced some soreness, ‘but that’s typical,’ Vonn noted.
She remains in a state of reflection, absorbing the reality of her return to the podium this season.
Vonn posted a lengthy message about Lucy along with her pictures on Instagram
‘It feels truly wonderful,’ Vonn expressed. ‘I maintained unwavering belief in my capabilities… I believe many witnessed on Sunday the profound significance it held for me. My love for the sport remains undiminished, and I deeply appreciate the immense support I’ve received throughout this journey.’
Vonn plans to return to Europe in the near future for further equipment testing, with the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics approaching. Her preparation time was limited before her November announcement about rejoining the U.S. ski team.
‘Now, I have the opportunity to train and conduct testing in the appropriate and prescribed manner,’ Vonn stated. ‘A primary reason for my passion for ski racing lies in the necessity to perform under immense pressure. I take pride in my ability to do so.’
‘That fundamental skill remains intact, instilling considerable confidence for the upcoming year.’