A Tragic Accident
Jeff Shiffrin, the father of Olympic gold medalist and World Cup ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin, died unexpectedly on February 2, 2020, at the age of 65. According to The Aspen Times, he fell from a roof and died from a head injury. The coroner has validated this incident.
Jeff Shiffrin was a former Alpine skier at Dartmouth College and a successful anesthesiologist. He lived with his wife Eileen in a new home that Mikaela built recently in Edwards, Colorado. He was an avid photographer and often traveled with his daughter to capture her races.
A Devastated Family
Mikaela Shiffrin, who is one of the most dominant ski racers in history, posted a heartfelt tribute to her father on social media. She called him “our mountains, our ocean, our sunrise, our heart, our soul, our everything” and thanked her fans for respecting her family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Mikaela’s brother, Taylor Shiffrin, was also a member of the University of Denver ski team and a close friend of his father. He shared a photo of him and his dad on Instagram and wrote: “He was the best father I could have ever asked for. He taught me so many valuable lessons, supported me through everything, and gave me the tools to succeed in life. I love you dad, and I will miss you more than words can describe” .
A Supportive Community
The ski world and the Colorado community expressed their condolences and support for the Shiffrin family. U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the governing body of the sport, issued a statement saying: “His contributions to all aspects of the skiing and riding world are immeasurable” .
Many of Mikaela’s fellow ski racers and friends also sent their messages of sympathy and admiration for Jeff Shiffrin. Lindsey Vonn, the retired ski legend and former Vail resident, tweeted: “Devastated to hear the news of Jeff Shiffrin’s passing. He was a great person and always so kind. My heart goes out to the entire Shiffrin family during this incredibly difficult time” .
Mikaela Shiffrin took a break from the World Cup circuit to be with her family in Colorado. Her return date to the competition was unknown at the time. She was leading the overall standings and chasing her fourth consecutive title. She had 66 career victories, second only to Vonn’s 82 among women.
A Lasting Legacy
Jeff Shiffrin, along with his wife Eileen, who was a former Masters-level ski racer and a longtime coach of Mikaela, played a crucial role in the development of their children’s skiing careers. They instilled in them a love for the sport, a passion for learning, and a respect for others.
Jeff Shiffrin once said before Mikaela’s first Olympics in 2014: “As far as skiing, the only thing we pushed on the kids is that you better love it, so that you’re happy doing it, and learning is a lifelong endeavor” .
Jeff Shiffrin’s death was a tragic loss for his family, his friends, and the ski community. He will be remembered as a kind, loving, caring, patient, and wonderful father, husband, and human being. He will also be remembered as the father of one of the greatest ski racers of all time, who inherited his spirit and his values.