In a heartbreaking event, World Cup skier Jean Daniel Pession, 28, and his girlfriend Elisa Arlian, 26, tragically lost their lives during a horrific accident on Mount Zerbion in Italy’s beautiful Aosta Valley. The couple had embarked on a hiking trip but unfortunately did not return home, causing their concerned families to alert the authorities.
Elisa Arlian, who was not only Pession’s girlfriend but also a ski instructor and teacher, shared a deep passion for the sport. Their love for skiing brought them together and united them in life, adventure, and sport.
Efforts to find Pession and Arlian were swiftly launched, involving search and rescue teams, firefighters, and helicopters. With the help of a signal from one of their phones, the search team successfully located the couple near the summit. However, when rescuers arrived at the scene, they discovered the pair buried in snow, still tied together.
Pession was a well-known figure in the skiing world, having achieved a 15th place finish in the World Cup. The Italian Winter Sports Federation expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “A terrible tragedy strikes the world of winter sports and speed skiing in particular. Jean Daniel Pession, a 28-year-old member of the World Cup team, lost his life in a tragic mountain accident that occurred above Champoluc. His girlfriend also died together with Pession.”
Although the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, a doctor confirmed that both individuals suffered evident fall injuries. Funeral services for Pession and Arlian were expected to take place in their respective hometowns today.
Italian broadcasting station RAI reported, “They had set out early in the morning to reach a peak both knew well. They were almost at the summit, just a step away when suddenly they were betrayed by the mountain they loved so much. When they were found, they were still tied together, like in a final embrace.”
Alberto Bertin of Aosta Valley also expressed his condolences, acknowledging the tragic loss of two young lives who had shared a passion for the mountains. In this time of profound sadness, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends, and the entire sports community affected by this devastating incident.
Our thoughts are with Pession and Arlian’s loved ones during this difficult time, as they come to terms with the loss of these remarkable individuals who touched the lives of many through their shared love for skiing.
