Daily Reports
Italian Skiing Community Mourns Loss of Jean Daniel Pession and Elisa Arlian
The Italian speed skier Jean Daniel Pession and his girlfriend, Elisa Arlian, met a tragic end in a mountain accident in the northwest region of Italy. The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) confirmed the unfortunate event. In a statement released on June 1, FISI expressed their condolences, emphasizing the loss to the world of winter sports and speed skiing. Jean, 28, was a prominent member of the World Cup team, and both he and his girlfriend, Elisa, were ski instructors.
The incident occurred on Mount Zerbion in the Aosta Valley region, near the tourist town of Champoluc. Rescuers found their bodies together after an extensive search operation. The couple reportedly fell 700 meters from the mountain’s peak after straying from a familiar path. Helicopters were deployed immediately following calls from worried relatives when the couple did not return home. The rescue operation lasted several hours, with their mobile phone signals eventually leading rescuers to their location.
The Antagnod Ski School, where Jean served as a ski instructor, acknowledged the loss by announcing that the couple’s funerals would be held on Tuesday. Jean Daniel Pession had notable achievements, including finishing 15th in the 2021 Sprint Ski World Cup standings and placing in the top 25 at the 2022 Vars World Championships.
Another Tragedy in the Mountains: Luca Bernini and Tomas Franchini
In a separate incident, Luca Bernini, a 35-year-old mountaineer from Piacenza, Italy, died in a mountain accident on the Matterhorn. Luca, an instructor for the Italian Alpine Club of Piacenza, fell from the mountain's east face, leading to his untimely death. The body was recovered by Air Zermatt, and an investigation by the Sion Cantonal Police is ongoing.
The Italian mountaineering community also mourns the loss of Tomas Franchini. The 35-year-old mountaineer from Madonna di Campiglio went missing while climbing the Cashan peak in the Andes mountain range in Peru. Franchini had an impressive mountaineering record, having climbed Mount Edgar in China and earning multiple awards, including two nominations for the Piolet d'Or and the 'Paolo Consiglio' award twice.
- Jean Daniel Pession and Elisa Arlian’s tragic story highlights the inherent risks involved in high-altitude sports such as speed skiing and mountaineering. As beloved figures in their respective communities, their loss resonates not only among friends and family but also among fans and fellow athletes.
- Pession and Arlian were known for their passion and dedication to the sport. Pession’s remarkable achievements in various championships underscore his significant contribution to Italian winter sports. Similarly, Elisa Arlian's involvement showcases the enthusiastic spirit she brought to the ski slopes.
- The deaths of Luca Bernini and Tomas Franchini further compound the sorrow within the Italian mountaineering community. The perilous nature of their pursuits, coupled with their impressive accomplishments, serve as a poignant reminder of the challenging environments these athletes brave.
