A tragic incident has claimed the life of Laura Viktoria Hartig, a newlywed fitness influencer, following a devastating road collision with a former downhill skier in northern Italy’s Dolomites. Laura, 30, was critically injured while cycling on her honeymoon with her husband Tilman, just days after their wedding. The fatal crash occurred on June 23 on the Passo Sella mountain pass.
Reports indicate that Laura collided head-on with a motorcycle ridden by Peter Runggaldier, a 57-year-old former Italian downhill skier. The impact of the crash was so severe that Laura’s bicycle was shattered, and both riders were thrown several meters onto the road. Emergency responders, including two rescue helicopters, quickly arrived at the scene to airlift Laura to a hospital in Bolzano, where she was in critical condition before being transferred to a specialized clinic in Bavaria, Germany. Despite medical efforts, Laura succumbed to her injuries after nearly three weeks in intensive care.
Peter Runggaldier, who sustained multiple fractures and abdominal injuries, survived the collision. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. In a social media post, Runggaldier requested privacy and expressed condolences to all those affected by the incident.
Laura was renowned for sharing videos of her outdoor adventures in the Alps, including hiking and cycling. Her final Instagram post, showcasing moments from her wedding ceremony in the Dolomites, was a poignant tribute to her husband, captioned “Soulmate for life.”
Italian police released a statement on Facebook confirming the road accident at Passo Sella, involving a motorcycle and a bicycle, which disrupted traffic for an hour. Various emergency services responded to the scene to assist with the situation.
