Olympic athlete Peter Runggaldier was involved in a fatal bicycle accident that killed influencer Laura Viktoria Härtig.
“Dear friends, regarding the serious road accident in which I was involved, I ask you to respect my time of grief and my need for privacy,” Runggaldier wrote via Instagram in Italian in July 2026. “My thoughts are with all those involved and their families.”
Local Italian newspapers reported hours earlier that Runggaldier was operating a motorcycle through the Dolomite mountain range when he collided with Härtig on a bike. The crash reportedly split Härtig’s bicycle in half and sent her flying into the road. After being resuscitated on the scene by paramedics, Härtig was airlifted to a hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Härtig is survived by her husband, whom she married days before the accident. Runggaldier has since expressed his condolences to Härtig’s family.
Keep scrolling to learn more about Runggaldier:
Peter Runggaldier Is an Olympic Skier
Runggaldier is an alpine skier, who represented Italy in the 1994 and 1998 Olympics. He also won the World Cup of Alpine Skiing in 1995 and 1996.
“When I was five years old my elder brother introduced me to skiing. And it was not before long that I joined the Sci Club Gardena and started ski racing,” he wrote in a blog post. “Every Sunday, and every so often already on a Saturday, it was an exciting adventure to set off and take part in the races. Luckily, I was quite successful too.”
For Runggaldier, the “climax of [his] skiing career” was making the Italian national team. He retired in 2000 and still fondly remembers his Olympic journey.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the anniversary of the Innsbruck Olympics together with so many outstanding athletes and Olympic medal winners,” a February 2026 post via Instagram read. “Leading the organization was speed champion Franz Weber.”
Where Is Peter Runggaldier Now?
Decades after Runggaldier retired from competition, he has worked as a ski and mountain biking guide and instructor in the Dolomite mountains.
“Ski sessions lasting an hour or more to correct your skiing stance. Options range from introductory sessions to race training,” his website reads. “Basic exercises allow students to progress gradually through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. … In recent years, there has been no shortage of snow or fresh powder. Ski lifts provide access to peaks where off-piste fun is guaranteed.”
Peter Runggaldier’s Daughter Followed in His Footsteps
Peter is the father of Teresa Runggaldier, who is also an alpine skier.
“A nice morning ski with Teresa,” he captioned a pic in April 2026.
Peter Runggaldier Addresses Fatal 2026 Crash
Peter crashed his motorcycle into Härtig’s bicycle in northern Italy in July 2026.
“Dear friends, regarding the serious road accident in which I was involved, I ask you to respect my time of grief and my need for privacy,” Runggaldier wrote in an Instagram statement days later. “My thoughts are with all those involved and their families. I trust in your sensitivity and ask for your understanding that, at this moment, I will not be giving interviews or making statements. Thank you.”
