Former U.S. Ski Team alpine skier and coach TJ Lanning has died at the age of 41. The cause of death has not been publicly revealed. Lanning died on July 2 in Park City, Utah.
Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn shared a tribute to Lanning on her Instagram story, recalling their long-standing friendship since childhood. "TJ (aka crowbar jr) – we’ve known each other since we were 12,” Vonn wrote. “We shared a lot of memories on the mountain. I hope you are at peace my friend. We will all miss you. Until we meet again."
Lanning was recognized as a highly skilled skier, achieving the top-ranked junior status globally in slalom and Super-G in 2001. His competitive career, however, was significantly impacted by a crash in 2009 that resulted in a fractured neck and a severe knee injury, ultimately leading to his retirement.
US Ski & Snowboard issued a statement expressing their sorrow over Lanning's passing. "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,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and children during this difficult time.”
Lanning dedicated over two decades to the U.S. Ski Team, serving as both a skier and a coach. His obituary noted his intense approach to skiing and life, stating, “He pushed his skiing to, and sometimes beyond, the thin red line, and he brought that same intensity to every part of his life, making his presence felt wherever he went.”