German influencer Laura Viktoria Härtig has died at the age of 30, nearly three weeks after suffering critical injuries in a bicycle crash while on her honeymoon in Italy.
Härtig died on Sunday following the June 23 collision in the Dolomite mountain range, where she was involved in an accident with a motorcycle ridden by former Italian Olympian Peter Runggaldier.
According to Italian outlets il Dolomiti and Trentino, the crash happened on a road near the Sella Pass. The impact destroyed Härtig’s bicycle, leaving it in several pieces, and she sustained severe injuries after being thrown onto the road.
Emergency responders were able to revive her at the scene before she was airlifted to San Maurizio Hospital in Bolzano, where she remained under medical care until her death.
Investigation remains underway
Italian media reported that the Trento Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Runggaldier, 57, represented Italy in alpine skiing at the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics. Days after the incident, he shared a message on Instagram asking for privacy as he dealt with the aftermath.
“Dear friends, in regard to the serious road accident in which I was involved, I ask you to respect my moment of pain and my need for confidentiality,” he wrote in Italian.
He added that his thoughts were with everyone affected by the tragedy and their families, while explaining that he would not be giving interviews or public statements.
According to the Italian outlets, Runggaldier also sustained serious injuries in the collision and was taken to Santa Chiara Hospital in Trento for treatment.
Remembered for sharing her love of the outdoors
Härtig had built a following of more than 55,000 people on Instagram, where she documented her passion for outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, cycling and travel.
Only weeks before the crash, she had shared photographs from her wedding, captioning the post, “Soulmate for life.”
Following her death, a message published on her Instagram account honored her memory and reflected her lifelong love of the mountains.
“Laura went to her beloved mountains at sunset,” the translated tribute read, describing a place where “the sun always shines,” “the finest powder snow lies,” and “the best routes await.” The message concluded by thanking supporters for their concern, encouragement and kind words while remembering the joy she found in sharing her adventures with others.
It ended with a farewell to the influencer, expressing hope of meeting her again “on the next summit.”
Runggaldier’s personal website notes that he remains actively involved in skiing and enjoys several outdoor pursuits, including football, motorcycling, cycling and golf during the summer months.
Härtig’s death has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from followers who had closely followed her travels and outdoor adventures, as authorities continue investigating the fatal collision.
