A promising figure skating champion has died at the age of 23 after a lorry struck her whilst she cycled along a designated bike path in Salzburg, Austria, on Thursday 11 September.
Julia Marie Gaiser, who had won three consecutive Salzburg state championships between 2023 and 2025, suffered fatal injuries when the vehicle collided with her at a congested junction along Gaisbergstraße, one of the city’s busiest roads. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation at the scene, but the young athlete was pronounced dead despite their efforts.
The 46-year-old Austrian lorry driver, who tested negative for alcohol at the scene, had been turning right at the intersection whilst Gaiser continued straight on the cycle path when the fatal collision occurred. Local police in Salzburg have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Rising Star Who Defied Expectations
Gaiser’s death has sent shockwaves through the figure skating community across Europe, particularly in her native South Tyrol region of Italy and her adopted home of Austria. The talented skater had successfully competed for EisTeam Salzburg after previously representing Italy at international level, marking a significant transition in her sporting career.
Andreas Jungmann, mayor of her hometown Brixen (Bressanone), expressed the community’s devastation: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Gaiser family. This is a great loss, especially for the world of sport. She was not only an outstanding athlete, but also a role model for many.”
The young athlete’s journey to championship success was particularly remarkable given her late start in the sport. Anneliese Schenk, head of the figure skating department of the Italian Ice Sports Federation’s provincial committee, revealed that Gaiser had begun skating at age eight, considerably later than most elite competitors.
She started skating later than usual for our sport, around the age of eight, when many girls begin at just four or five,” Schenk explained. “Even so, Marie managed to achieve strong results thanks to her daily training. Skating was her whole world, and she lived the sport with immense passion.
From Italian Roots to Austrian Success
Born in Bressanone in Italy’s South Tyrol region, Gaiser began her skating career at the local winter sports club WSV Brixen before making the decision to compete for Austria, a path taken by many South Tyrolean athletes. She had moved to Salzburg several years ago to pursue university studies whilst continuing her skating career.
Her dedication quickly yielded results, with Gaiser claiming three successive Salzburg state championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025. She regularly finished in the top ten at Austrian national championships and had competed internationally, including at the prestigious Skate Emirates 2024 event in Dubai.
The transition from representing Italy to competing for Austria marked a significant chapter in her sporting journey, with Gaiser successfully starting for the figure skating club Rot-Weiß Salzburg whilst studying at the University of Innsbruck.
EisTeam Salzburg Pays Emotional Tribute
EisTeam Salzburg released a heartfelt statement on social media, saying: “It is with great dismay and deep sadness that we have to say goodbye to Julia Gaiser, who was suddenly taken from life on 11 September 2025, at the age of just 23.”
The club’s tribute continued: “Julia was a three-time Salzburg national champion (2023, 2024, 2025) and successfully started for Austria for the figure skating club Rot-Weiß Salzburg. In addition, she also achieved several podium places at the national level, proving her dedication to the sport.”
With her talent, discipline and radiance, she left an unforgettable mark on the ice,” the statement added.
The team emphasised that Gaiser’s impact extended far beyond her competitive achievements: “Apart from sports, Julia was a radiant person: her laughter and bright eyes filled every room. She was not only an outstanding athlete, but also a role model for the young ones, to whom she taught figure skating with enthusiasm and patience in children’s classes.”
Determination That Inspired Others
Friends and fellow skaters remembered Gaiser for her extraordinary work ethic and positive attitude. “What struck about Julia was her determination,” recalled those close to her. “She repeated exercises alone, trained even beyond the scheduled time, always trying to improve. She was a special athlete, a girl capable of encouraging herself and others whilst always keeping her feet on the ground.”
Her commitment to the sport was evident in her rapid progression despite her late start. Where many elite figure skaters begin training as young as four or five years old, Gaiser’s journey from an eight-year-old beginner to a three-time state champion demonstrated exceptional dedication and natural talent.
Beyond her own competitive career, Gaiser had been working towards becoming a coach, eager to pass on her passion for figure skating to the next generation. “She wanted to pass on her passion to others. For her, figure skating was a true love, not just a sport,” friends recalled.
Global Skating Community Mourns
The international figure skating community has been united in grief, with tributes pouring in from across Europe. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence from fans, fellow athletes and skating organisations.
“Condolences to her loved ones,” one supporter wrote, whilst another stated simply: “Gone too soon.” Additional tributes included “May her soul rest in peace” and “Such a loss for the world,” with hundreds of similar sentiments shared online.
Rest in peace Julia” became a common refrain as news of her death spread throughout the skating community.
Professional choreographer Ekaterina Ivleva Guarise shared a particularly poignant tribute on Facebook, recalling how she had choreographed Gaiser’s short programme to “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol just months earlier. The haunting connection between the music’s themes and the tragic circumstances was not lost on those who knew her work.
Investigation Continues Into Fatal Junction
Austrian authorities continue their investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision at what local sources describe as a notorious junction along Gaisbergstraße. The intersection where Gaiser lost her life has been identified as a particularly congested area of Salzburg’s road network.
The lorry driver involved in the collision, a 46-year-old Austrian man, remained at the scene and cooperated with police. His negative alcohol test has led investigators to treat the incident as a tragic accident, though the full investigation remains ongoing.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about cyclist safety in urban areas, particularly at busy junctions where cycle paths intersect with heavy traffic routes. Local authorities have indicated they will review safety measures at the intersection as part of their response to the incident.
Legacy Beyond the Ice
Gaiser’s influence extended beyond her skating achievements. In her spare time, she had developed a passion for cooking and shared tips and recipes on a blog, demonstrating the breadth of her interests and her desire to connect with others beyond the skating rink.
Her academic pursuits at the University of Innsbruck, combined with her sporting excellence and coaching ambitions, painted a picture of a young woman determined to build a comprehensive career in sports management and education.
The skating world has lost not just a talented athlete but a passionate advocate for the sport who was committed to nurturing future generations of skaters. Her journey from late-starting beginner to three-time champion will continue to inspire young athletes facing their own challenges.
As the investigation continues and the skating community grieves, Julia Marie Gaiser’s legacy remains one of determination, passion and the pursuit of excellence against the odds. Her story serves as a reminder of both the fragility of life and the enduring impact one person can have on their sport and community in just 23 years.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
