Thomas "TJ" Lanning, a former Alpine skier and member of Team USA, has passed away at the age of 41.
Videos by FanBuzz
U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the news with a press release, as well as a statement on social media. The release did not provide a cause of death.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of TJ Lanning, a former U.S. Ski Team alpine skier and coach whose impact on our sport went far beyond his years of competition," U.S. Ski & Snowboard wrote in a statement.
Photo credit: Getty Images
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and children during this difficult time."
A native of Helena, Montana, Lanning competed in multiple categories during his career. This included downhill, super-G and combined. He competed throughout his life after starting skiing at a young age.
Lanning took part in the 2001 and 2002 FIS Junior World Ski Championships and became the top-ranked junior in the world in 2001. He then began to represent Team USA as a speed skier.
He delivered three top-10 finishes for Team USA at the World Cup level, which includes a ninth-place finish in downhill at Lake Louise, Canada, in 2008. He also became the U.S. downhill champion in 2008.
However, injuries prematurely ended Lanning's career. He crashed at Lake Louise in November 2009, dislocating his left knee and fracturing his neck.
Once he could no longer compete on the slopes, he moved into the world of coaching. He remained with the U.S. Ski Team as a speed skiing coach.
"TJ you were a true 1 of 1!!! That laugh!!!!! Man I am going to miss you my friend!!" former Alpine skier Jeremy Transue wrote on Instagram.
Former skier-turned-women's Alpine coach Manuel Gamper added his condolences, writing, "I'm grateful I had the chance to know you. I'm deeply saddened by this news. My heartfelt condolences to your family and all your close friends. RIP, TJ."
