Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica has sadly passed away at the age of 24.
According to The Guardian, Gasienica reportedly passed away after being involved in a motorcycle accident on Monday night (June 12) in the village of Bull Valley, located in Chicago’s far northwestern suburbs.
CBS News reported that preliminary findings from Wednesday's (June 14) autopsy found that he died of blunt force trauma after the tragic accident.
In addition to this, coroner Dr. Michael Rein revealed to the publication that it will take several months for a final death certificate to be issued due to testing and investigation.
The young Olympian also competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, finishing 49th and 53rd in individual, and was 10th in a team competition with Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner, and Decker Dean.
USA Nordic shared a statement regarding the young athlete's death, which read: "USA Nordic and the Ski Jumping community are saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick Gasienica. A 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian, Patrick was an incredible competitor, teammate, and friend. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Patrick," they added alongside three photos of Gasienica in action.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard also posted an emotional statement honoring the young star's career, writing: "Gasienica grew up ski jumping at the Norge Ski Club and made his FIS Ski Jumping debut in 2015. Gasienica represented the United States at two FIS Junior World Ski Championships in 2016 and 2017, the 2019 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld, as well as the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.
"USA Nordic Sport and U.S. Ski & Snowboard's thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and the ski jumping community. Patrick Gasienica’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by the family," they concluded.
Gasienica grew up ski jumping at the Norge Ski Club in Illinois. The ski club took to Facebook to open up about their devastating loss.
"This devastating loss hits our Norge family hard, and leaves us with deep and profound sadness at his passing," the ski club posted on Facebook. "Patrick was a dedicated athlete and beloved member of not only the Norge community, but the ski jumping community at large, and his life and legacy will forever be remembered."
Gasienica's death comes after a medical report revealed that three-time Olympic medalist Tori Bowie was pregnant and in labor at the time of her death.
The two-time world champion in track and field was found dead at her home in Orlando, Florida, on May 2 after the local sheriff’s department carried out "a well-being check of a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from in several days," as reported by The Guardian.
An Orange County (Florida) Medical Examiner’s Office report - cited by USA Today - disclosed that Bowie was around eight months pregnant and in active labor at the time of her death.
Officials said potential difficulties the former 100-meter world champion athlete had included respiratory distress and eclampsia - which is when a person develops seizures after a sudden spike in high blood pressure during pregnancy, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Our thoughts are with Gasienica and Bowie's family, friends, and fans at this time.