A 23-year-old figure skating champion died in Austria last Thursday when a lorry collided with her as she cycled along a designated bike path.
Julia Marie Gaiser suffered fatal injuries in the collision, which occurred at a congested road junction.
The accomplished skater had claimed three successive state championships in Salzburg between 2023 and 2025.
She competed for EisTeam Salzburg after previously representing Italy at international level.
Salzburg's mayor, Andreas Jungman, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating: "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Gaiser family.
"This is a great loss, especially for the world of sport."
Julia Marie Gaiser died aged just 23
|Emergency responders attempted to revive the young athlete at the crash site, but she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Local police in Salzburg have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
The Italian Ice Sports Federation's Anneliese Schenk revealed that Gaiser had begun her skating career later than most competitors.
"She started skating later than usual for our sport around the age of eight, when many girls begin at just four or five," Schenk explained.
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"Even so, Marie managed to achieve strong results thanks to her daily training. Skating was her whole world, and she lived the sport with immense passion," Schenk added.
Supporters have taken to social media platforms to express their grief over the young athlete's untimely death.
Messages of sympathy have poured in from across the skating community.
"Condolences to her loved ones," one fan wrote, whilst another simply stated: "Gone too soon."
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Julia Marie Gaiser won three national championships during her career
|Additional tributes included "May her soul rest in peace" and "Such a loss for the world," with many others posting similar sentiments.
"Rest in peace Julia," was among the numerous messages shared online.
The investigation into the fatal incident remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the collision at the junction.
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Police have now opened an investigation as to how the 23-year-old died
|EisTeam Salzburg took to social media to pay tribute to the 23-year-old: "It is with great dismay and deep sadness that we have to say goodbye to Julia Gaiser, who died on the 11th. She was suddenly taken from life on September 2025, at the age of just 23.
"Julia was a three-time Salzburg national champion (2023, 2024, 2025) and successfully started for Austria for the figure skating club Rot-Weiß Salzburg.
"In addition, she also achieved several podium places at the national level, proving her dedication to the sport. With her talent, discipline and radiance, she left an unforgettable mark on the ice.
"Apart from sports, Julia was a radiant person: her laughter and bright eyes filled every room. She was not only an outstanding athlete, but also a role model for the young ones, to whom she taught figure skating with enthusiasm and patience in children's classes."
Her transition from the Italian national team to Austrian competition marked a significant chapter in her sporting journey.
Gaiser's dedication to figure skating was evident in her rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in her dominance at state-level competitions.