Tributes have poured in for Olympic freestyle skiing medallist Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson, who died on Monday at the age of 29.
Vancouver silver medallist found dead in Utah
Tributes have poured in for Olympic freestyle skiing medallist Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson after he was found dead at 29 on Monday.
Peterson, who claimed aerial freestyle silver at the Vancouver Games last year, was found dead in a remote Utah canyon having suffered what was described by police as a "self-inflicted gunshot wound".
His death came three days after he was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in his home state of Idaho. Police confirmed that a suicide note had been left at the scene but did not reveal its contents.
Bill Marolt, president and chief executive of the US Ski and Snowboard Association, said: "Today is a sad day for skiing.
"Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson was a great champion who will be missed and remembered as a positive, innovative force on not only his sport of freestyle aerials, but on the entire US Freestyle Ski Team family and everyone he touched."
Heartbroken
US Olympic Committee chief executive Scott Blackmun added: "The entire Olympic family is heartbroken to hear the news of Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson's untimely passing.
"I know Speedy's friends and family were incredibly proud of his effort in Vancouver and his achievements were an inspiration to people all over the world."
Peterson was regarded as a great innovator in his sport, and famously used his patented 'Hurricane' move - a five-twist, three-flip aerial manoeuvre - to secure Olympic silver last year.
"Speedy was an amazing athlete," US team-mate Emily Cook said.
"I will always remember jumping alongside him as he pushed the sport, himself and his team-mates to be the best.
"In addition to being the incredible athlete that we all knew, Speedy was a true friend.
"His loyalty and commitment to each of his team-mates was unwavering and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him."
Peterson, a three-time Olympian, was not due to contest the 2012 season and at the time of his death was a full-time business student at Westminster College in Salt Lake City.
