DENVER – The father of Colorado ski legend Mikaela Shiffrin died suddenly, Shiffrin tweeted Monday morning, saying she was heartbroken.
Jeff Shiffrin was 65 years old. His daughter, an Olympic and World Cup ski champion, said she was “heartbroken.”
“My family is heartbroken beyond comprehension about the unexpected passing of my kindhearted, loving, caring, patient, wonderful father. Our mountains, our ocean, our sunrise, our heart, our soul, our everything. He taught us so many valuable lessons, but above everything else, he taught us the golden rule: be nice, think first. This is something I will carry with me forever. He was the firm foundation of our family and we miss him terribly,” Shiffrin tweeted.
Jeff Shiffrin died at a metro-area hospital after an accident at his home in Edwards, Ski Racing Magazine reported.
He was an anesthesiologist who worked for Vail Health and Anesthesia Partners of Colorado. He was also a former ski racer.
“I am without words today as we mourn the loss of Jeff Shiffrin,” U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Tiger Shaw said in a statement. “Jeff was a good friend and we will all mis him terribly. Our – and the entire ski world’s – thoughts are prayers go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association said Shiffrin’s wife, Eileen, and Mikaela returned to Colorado from Europe on Sunday to be by Jeff’s side.
“Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for respecting my family’s privacy as we grieve during this unimaginable and devastating time,” Mikaela Shiffrin tweeted.