Tragic Discovery in Italian Mountains: World Cup Skier and Girlfriend Found Dead

In a heartbreaking incident, world cup skier Jean Daniel Pession and his girlfriend, Elisa Arlian, were discovered deceased on Italy's Monte Zerbion after a tragic fall. The couple reportedly plummeted 700 meters from the mountain's summit, with neither of them surviving the ordeal - but rescuers found them in each other’s arms. The Italian Winter Sports Federation confirmed the devastating news in a statement issued on June 1st.

Jean, a 28-year-old World Cup skier from Aosta Valley, Italy, knew the peak well. RAI, Italy’s national public broadcasting company, reported in a tweet that he and Arlian were “almost at the summit, just a step away, when suddenly they were betrayed by the mountain they loved so much.”

RAI reported that the couple began their ascent towards the peak early in the morning. Concerned when they did not return as expected, family members contacted emergency services. After an arduous search by helicopter, their bodies were eventually located. The search was aided by a device that detected a cell phone signal from one of the skiers. Tragically, by the time rescue crews reached the two skiers in their distinctive red jackets, it was already too late.

The recovery operation was successful, and the remains of Pession and Arlian were transported to the Champoluc mortuary in Aosta Valley.

Among those offering condolences for the couple were Alberto Bertin, the President of the Aosta Valley Regional Council.

“Two young lives broken by an accident in the mountains, that mountain which was their passion. In this moment of profound sadness, we express our closeness to the families, friends, and the entire sporting community, holding us close to them with affection and compassion,” Bertin told RAI.