TJ Lanning was an American ski racer who competed in downhill, Super-G and the combined event. He was born in 1984 in Montana and worked as a coach with the US ski team after his active racing career.

How did Lanning's active career end?

Lanning crashed in January 2009 at Lake Louise, suffering a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra (C5) and a knee injury. He did not return to active racing afterward.

How was his death made public?

People close to him first confirmed his death to the specialist portal Ski Racing Media. The US Ski Federation then officially confirmed the news.

TJ Lanning dead: US ski star dies at 41

Park City, July 8, 2026

The US Ski Federation has confirmed the death of former downhill racer and later coach TJ Lanning at the age of 41.

The US Ski Federation (US Ski and Snowboard) confirmed TJ Lanning's death on Tuesday. People close to him had previously confirmed his passing to the specialist portal Ski Racing Media. Lanning was born in 1984 in the US state of Montana and most recently worked as a coach with the US team.

Lanning was regarded as a proven specialist in the speed disciplines of alpine skiing. He was active in downhill and Super-G as well as in the combined event and participated in World Championships. Within the US team, he was one of the defining speed racers of his generation.

Career and Injury

His active career came to an abrupt end in January 2009. In a crash at the Canadian resort of Lake Louise, a classic of the World Cup downhill circuit, Lanning lost control on a fast section of the course. He sustained a knee injury and a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra (C5), as reports from that season documented.

US Ski Federation confirms death of former downhill skier TJ Lanning

Career and Injury

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