FIS MEDIA INFO: Snowboarder Jonatan Johansson (SWE) dies after training crash

Oberhofen, 13th March, 2006/ -- Snowboarder Jonatan Johansson (SWE) died Sunday as a result of injuries he suffered after a fall during official training for a NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup snowboardcross (SBX) competition in Lake Placid, New York (USA). The competition was cancelled by the FIS Competition Jury following the tragic accident.

Johansson, a 26-year-old member of the Swedish Olympic team in Turin and a long-time participant in the FIS Snowboard World Cup, was on course alone as he fell during training at around 9:20AM local time (15:20 CET) on Sunday, 12th March, 2006. He was wearing a helmet, as mandated by the rules for FIS Snowboard competitions. The athlete was treated on the scene before being transported by ambulance to a medical center in Lake Placid. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the medical center. An autopsy to determine the cause of death is expected Monday.

FIS sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jonatan Johansson, and to the Swedish Ski Association.

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For more information, please refer to:

FIS Biography for Jonatan Johansson:
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/613.html?sector=SB&listid=&competitorid=28180&type=result

Press Release by the Swedish Ski Association:
http://www.skidor.com/t1.asp?a=409019

Press Release by the United States Ski Association:
http://www.ussnowboarding.org/public/news.php?&dId=7&sN=1&aId=2102

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