Pro Skier Matilda Rapaport Dies Filming Commercial for Ubisoft’s Steep
This is the type of story we never like having to report on as professional freestyle skier, Matilda Rapaport has died after sustaining injuries while shooting a commercial for Ubisoft’s upcoming extreme sports game, Steep. While Ubisoft leads up to the game’s big launch during the holiday season they wanted to get some live action commercials shot to get players excited about it and unfortunately, tragedy struck.
Matilda Rapaport was caught under snow in an avalanche during filming and after fighting for four days in hospital finally succumbed to her injuries. First reported on July 14 that Rapaport had been rushed to a hospital in Santiago, Chile, she was put in a coma after the avalanche was triggered as the skier was being filmed from a helicopter. On July 18, Rapaport passed away at the age of 30.
Ubisoft confirmed that Rapaport was working for them on Steep as it was previously thought the skier was there by way of her main sponsor, Red Bull. A representative from Ubisoft had this to say:
We are deeply saddened by the news of Matilda Rapaport’s death. After a film production in Chile on Thursday, July 14 caught her in an avalanche. Despite the care and treatment days after, it was not possible to save her life.
Matilda’s courage, passion and desire to share the sport she loved with the world was an inspiration to other athletes, and for all of us. This tragic incident has touched us deeply.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to her husband and all her other family during this difficult time.
A tragic story no doubt, Matilda was well aware of the risks associated with backcountry freestyle skiing after being trapped in another avalanche in Alaska in 2014. Our deepest condolences go out to Matilda’s friends, family and loved ones during this very difficult time. May she rest in peace.