Drama surrounding Norwegian! Olympic bronze medalist Grönvold struck by lightning

Audun Grönvold has died. The 49-year-old 2010 Olympic bronze medalist died while on a cabin vacation after being struck by lightning . His widow, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjaa, announced this on Facebook.

In an emotional post, she mourns her late husband. "Audun, my great love and best friend of over 20 years—today you left us." She continued: "What began as a beautiful summer vacation ended last Saturday when you were struck by lightning while we were at our cabin."

According to Haugsjaa, Grönvold was quickly taken to the hospital after the lightning strike and treated there, but succumbed to his serious injuries overnight into Wednesday. The Norwegian newspaper "Hamar Arbeiderblad" first reported the fatal accident.

The loss of Grönvold is immense. "This is just terribly tragic and sad news," said Kjetil André Aamodt, a former alpine skier, to Norwegian broadcaster NRK about the death of his former teammate and friend. "We will miss him. Audun was always in a good mood and always had a good joke. This is hard and unreal."

"You have left a great mark on alpine skiing and freestyle," writes the Norwegian Ski Association. "Our thoughts are with Audun's family, friends, and everyone close to him."

Grönvold also began his career in alpine skiing and even became Norwegian champion. He also reached a World Cup podium in the downhill race in Sierra Nevada in 1999.

In 2004, he switched to ski cross , where he celebrated two major victories. After a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2007, he achieved the highlight in 2010: bronze at the Vancouver Olympics.

This highlight also marked the end of his career. Grönvold ended his career, but remained loyal to ski cross and took over as coach of Norway's team.

Grönvold leaves behind his widow Kristin and three children. "Sanna, Selma, William and I will keep you in our hearts," Kristin Tandberg Haugsjaa writes on Facebook. "Your loss is great."