We have some sad news today out of Chile, where extreme sports star and athlete Matilda Rapaport passed away while filming promotional material for Ubisoft’s upcoming game Steep. While skiing, a major snowstorm triggered an avalanche that engulfed Matilda. She subsequently died in the hospital from oxygen deprivation and brain damage. Ubisoft had the following to say in a statement to Gamespot : “Matilda’s courage, passion, and desire to share the sport she loved with the world served as an inspiration for other athletes and for us all. This tragic accident has deeply touched us. Our hearts and prayers go out to her husband and her wider family at this difficult time.”
Matilda was 30 years old, and had recently been married. She had been a regular star of freeski films, and served as a contributor to the international Women’s Health magazine. Matilda had been involved in another avalanche incident in Alaska in 2014, and appeared on the cover of an issue of Powder wherein she discussed the dangers of extreme sports. A small comfort in all of this mess is the knowledge that she passed on doing what she loved most. We wish peace and strength for her husband and family.