Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American skier, has shared the heartbreaking news of her dog Leo’s passing, which comes just under two weeks after she suffered a severe leg injury in a crash at the Winter Olympics.

The 41-year-old athlete conveyed her sorrow on social media soon after her return to the United States from Italy. There, she had undergone a series of four surgical procedures following an accident in the women’s downhill event.

In her heartfelt post, Vonn wrote, “These past few days have been incredibly difficult, possibly the hardest of my life. I still can’t accept that he’s gone…” Her message was accompanied by several touching photos of Leo.

Vonn shared that her cherished dog, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer after overcoming lymphoma a year and a half ago, experienced a significant health decline on the very day of her Olympic crash.

“He was in pain, and his body could no longer match his strong will,” Vonn explained.

She continued, “As I lay in my hospital bed the day following my accident, we had to say goodbye to my dear Leo. In such a brief period, I lost so much that mattered to me. It’s hard to fathom.”

Lindsey Vonn has announced the tragic death of her dog Leo in a heartbreaking post online

It comes less than two weeks after the skiing great broke her leg at the Winter Olympics in Italy 

Vonn adopted Leo from an animal shelter back in 2014 as he recovered from a ‘bad knee’ after getting hit by a car, adding him to a pack that also included other dogs Lucy, who passed away in August of last year, and Chance. 

‘My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most,’ Vonn added. ‘He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He [laid] by me, and cuddled me, always making me feel safe and loved. We have been through so much together in 13 years. 

‘It’s going to be a while before I emotionally process things but I know he will always be with me. I know he’s up there with Lucy and Bear and my mom and grandparents and so many people I have lost in the past few years. [And I take solace] knowing he’s not in pain anymore.

‘There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love. Heading in for more surgery today. Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes.

‘I will love you forever my big boy’.

Vonn is set to undergo a fifth surgery, and her first since returning to the US, after fracturing her complex tibia in Cortina earlier this month. 

After trying to compete in the women’s downhill with a torn ACL, the iconic skier lost control over the opening traverse after cutting the line too tight and was spun around in the air. 

Vonn was heard screaming out after the crash as she was surrounded by medical personnel before she was strapped to a gurney and flown away by a helicopter. 

Vonn rescued Leo, who died after a battle with lung cancer, from an animal shelter back in 2014

The Olympian says Leo’s passing and her injury has made for the hardest few days of her life

Following her fourth op on Saturday, she was discharged from hospital on Sunday, allowing her to set off on her journey back to the States the following day. 

Getting her out of the hospital, to the airport, on a plane and straight to a hospital on home soil of course proved a difficult task given the severity of her injury.

Vonn shared a series of videos of her long-winded journey on Instagram, which shows a huge group of medical staff getting her out of Italy.

She wrote: ‘My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME!’

‘Thankful to all of the medical staff who helped me get home,’ Vonn added, ‘and seriously looking forward to my next surgery when I can get the X-fix out of my leg and will be able to move more.

‘My injury was a lot more severe than just a broken leg. I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead… but I’m going to give you more detail in the coming days.

‘As always, I appreciate all the love and support’.