Extreme mountain biker and social media influencer Andreas Tonelli lost his life in a biking accident on July 15 while riding alone in the Vallelunga area of Val Gardena , located in Italy’s South Tyrol region.
The 48-year-old was navigating a steep and difficult section of alpine terrain when the incident occurred. He had set out for a late afternoon solo ride, according to the reports by the Italian media.
Known for his daring mountain adventures, Tonelli had over 120,000 Instagram followers.
His last Instagram story, posted at 7.15 PM, showed him reaching the 2,905-metre summit of Piz Duleda, smiling with his bike slung over his shoulder, against the dramatic backdrop of the valley below.
Concerns were raised when Tonelli failed to return by nightfall. A friend, who had begun searching on his own, alerted authorities shortly after 9.00 PM.
A search operation was launched by Alpine rescue teams and the Aiut Alpin helicopter, which scoured the mountainous region despite deteriorating weather.
Around 1.00 AM, rescuers spotted Tonelli’s lifeless body in a deep ravine - an area that proved difficult to access in the dark and amid heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures. His body was eventually recovered the following morning, reported L’Unione Sarda.
The exact cause of the fall, estimated to be around 200 metres, remains under investigation by the Carabinieri, given the solo nature of his ride and the lack of witnesses.
The biking community and fans across the world mourned the loss of the rider. Norrøna , the premium outdoor apparel brand for which Tonelli was an ambassador, expressed deep sorrow in a social media post.
“Andreas was a passionate, dedicated, and important voice within the Norrøna family… We will remember his big smile and his deep love for mountain biking, for nature, and for the friendships forged out there,” the brand wrote.
“He made a profound impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him,” it added.
Tonelli was not just a face for the brand, but also actively involved in product testing and development, and served as a bike guide for Norrøna Adventure, where he shared his passion for cycling with guests from around the world.
Often described as a “true gentleman,” Tonelli was admired not only for his technical prowess on difficult terrains but also for his humble personality and love for the mountains. His adventurous spirit inspired many through his social media content, which often featured high-altitude rides across the Alps and Dolomites.
The 48-year-old was navigating a steep and difficult section of alpine terrain when the incident occurred. He had set out for a late afternoon solo ride, according to the reports by the Italian media.
Known for his daring mountain adventures, Tonelli had over 120,000 Instagram followers.
His last Instagram story, posted at 7.15 PM, showed him reaching the 2,905-metre summit of Piz Duleda, smiling with his bike slung over his shoulder, against the dramatic backdrop of the valley below.
Concerns were raised when Tonelli failed to return by nightfall. A friend, who had begun searching on his own, alerted authorities shortly after 9.00 PM.
A search operation was launched by Alpine rescue teams and the Aiut Alpin helicopter, which scoured the mountainous region despite deteriorating weather.
Around 1.00 AM, rescuers spotted Tonelli’s lifeless body in a deep ravine - an area that proved difficult to access in the dark and amid heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures. His body was eventually recovered the following morning, reported L’Unione Sarda.
The exact cause of the fall, estimated to be around 200 metres, remains under investigation by the Carabinieri, given the solo nature of his ride and the lack of witnesses.
The biking community and fans across the world mourned the loss of the rider. Norrøna , the premium outdoor apparel brand for which Tonelli was an ambassador, expressed deep sorrow in a social media post.
“Andreas was a passionate, dedicated, and important voice within the Norrøna family… We will remember his big smile and his deep love for mountain biking, for nature, and for the friendships forged out there,” the brand wrote.
“He made a profound impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him,” it added.
Tonelli was not just a face for the brand, but also actively involved in product testing and development, and served as a bike guide for Norrøna Adventure, where he shared his passion for cycling with guests from around the world.
Often described as a “true gentleman,” Tonelli was admired not only for his technical prowess on difficult terrains but also for his humble personality and love for the mountains. His adventurous spirit inspired many through his social media content, which often featured high-altitude rides across the Alps and Dolomites.
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