A tragic incident has claimed the life of a newly married fitness influencer in Italy. Laura Viktoria Hartig, 30, sustained critical injuries in a collision with a motorbike while cycling in the Dolomites during her honeymoon and has sadly passed away.
The German social media personality, who had over 51,000 followers on Instagram, had tied the knot with her husband Tilman just days before embarking on their mountain getaway. The fatal crash occurred on June 23 on the Passo Sella mountain pass when Laura collided head-on with a motorcycle ridden by former Italian downhill skier Peter Runggaldier, a two-time Alpine Ski World Cup races winner.
The impact of the collision was severe, causing Laura’s bicycle to break in two, throwing both riders several meters onto the road. Emergency services, including rescue helicopters, quickly responded to the scene, airlifting Laura to a hospital in Bolzano in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries after nearly three weeks in intensive care, following a transfer to a specialized clinic in Bavaria, Germany.
Runggaldier, who sustained multiple fractures and abdominal injuries, survived the accident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. In a statement on Instagram, Runggaldier requested privacy during his time of mourning and expressed his condolences to all those affected.
Laura was well-known for sharing outdoor adventures in the Alps on social media. Her final Instagram post before the accident featured footage from her wedding ceremony, where she and her husband exchanged vows in the picturesque Dolomites, captioned with “Soulmate for life.”
Italian authorities confirmed the road accident involving a motorcycle and a bicycle at Passo Sella, leading to temporary traffic disruptions. Responders from various emergency services promptly attended the scene to provide assistance.
