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Mikaela Shiffrin’s father Jeff dies, reportedly after accident in Edwards
Jeff Shiffrin, 65, — the father of superstar Olympic ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin — died after an accident at their Edwards home on Sunday, according to media reports.
Ski Racing Magazine is reporting Jeff Shiffrin was transported to a Denver-area hospital where he died in the company of Mikaela, who was taking a weekend off from World Cup action, his son Taylor and his wife Eileen. The Vail Daily is reporting the Eagle County coroner confirmed Jeff Shiffrin died from a head injury.
Mikaela’s team posted this tweet about the passing of her father:
“My family is heartbroken beyond comprehension about the unexpected passing of my kindhearted, loving, caring, patient, wonderful father. Our mountains, our ocean, our sunrise, our heart, our soul, our everything. He taught us so many valuable lessons but above everything else, he taught us the golden rule: be nice, think first. This is something I will carry with me forever. He was the firm foundation of our family and we miss him terribly. Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for respecting my family’s privacy as we grieve during this unimaginable and devastating time.”
Mikaela Shiffrin, 24, was resting and skipping speed-event races in Russia over the weekend after a tough stretch of World Cup racing that has her atop the World Cup standings and seeking what would be an American record fourth straight overall title.
Ski Racing reports her return to the circuit is uncertain, with more speed events set for this weekend in Garmisch, Germany.
Shiffrin is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the second-leading women’s ski racer of all time with 66 career victories, trailing only former Vail resident Lindsey Vonn’s 82 wins.
Jeff Shiffrin, a successful anesthesiologist, lived with his wife Eileen in the new home Mikaela built recently in Edwards, moving out of the EagleVail neighborhood after many years. The new home 15 miles west of Vail, featured on the Today Show, was billed as a sanctuary for the Shiffrins and Mikaela, who was born in Vail.
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team issued the following press release:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the entire ski and riding community mourn the passing of Jeff Shiffrin, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 2nd.
Jeff Shiffrin with his wife Eileen made Vail, Colo., their home decades ago, and together raised two remarkable alpine ski racers and humans. Taylor Shiffrin was a member of the two-time NCAA Champion University of Denver Ski Team. Olympic and World Champion Mikaela Shiffrin’s skiing success is remarkable.
“I am without words today as we mourn the loss of Jeff Shiffrin,” said Tiger Shaw, CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Jeff was a good friend and we will all miss him terribly. Our—and the entire ski world’s—thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Jeff was an anesthesiologist with Vail Health and Anesthesia Partners of Colorado, treating and helping many injured skiers and riders. He was an avid photographer, often having traveled to Mikaela’s World Cup races photographing Mikaela and other U.S. Ski Team athletes. Extremely proud of his daughter, he was rarely in a team picture on the podium because he was always behind the camera capturing the moment. His contributions to all aspects of the skiing and riding world are immeasurable.
Mikaela and Eileen returned from Europe on Sunday afternoon, and Jeff was surrounded by family and close friends during his final hours. He was 65.
Mikaela is expected to remain in Colorado, and her return to the World Cup is unknown at this time. Information regarding memorial services will be forthcoming.
Debbie Marquez
February 3, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Vaya con Dios Mr. Shriffin. My condolences to Mikaela and the family.
*Nice story DaveO.
Jay Townsend
February 3, 2020 at 3:49 pm
The valley has lost another great person! Our sincere sympathy to the family. Shadey Deals/ Alpine Ambiance crew
george kelly
November 28, 2020 at 1:36 pm
WHAT A HORRIFICLY SAD STORY..MAY JEFFS HEART AND SOUL REST IN PEACE.MY SINCERE CONDOLANCES TO HIS FAMILY
Dan
February 4, 2020 at 9:06 am
Such an unimaginable tragedy, he and his family seem like the quintessential ‘salt of the Earth’ family . Sadly this puts e’thing in ironic perspective, a truly terrible loss.
Marcia Waxler
February 4, 2020 at 1:07 pm
So very sorry to learn of this. We were friends of your Shiffrin grandparents.
we extent our sincere condolence. Our daughter, Enid, and your dad, were in high school together…tho’ I think your dad was a year ahead of her.
Patrick Bonner
February 9, 2020 at 4:54 am
God Bless Jeff Shriffrin and the family in this tragedy and may you rest in peace.
Alex Lange
February 9, 2020 at 8:06 am
My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family; he was an inspiration to all skiers, but above all, an inspiration about the human spirit he was.
I hope that GOD and all the prayers will help, in some way, making this tragic event a little less unimaginable. Love to Mikaela!!
Alex Lange
February 9, 2020 at 8:12 am
Rest In Peace!
Jack Liebl
February 9, 2020 at 9:11 am
Have been a fan since 2012… God’s blessings.
Terry Fernicola
February 10, 2020 at 8:13 am
I was so thrilled when you came on the World Cup scene. Especially knowing your dad grew up in New Jersey. I watch all your races Since you’ve been on the World Cup circuit. Your dad was there many times with his camera around his neck and your mom long side cheering you on. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful father that you will miss dearly, but his soul Will live on in your heart forever and ever. I myself am from New Jersey not far from where your dad grew up. Ski Greek orange and Vernon RValley as a young person and Hunter Mountain to this day. Skied every resort in the west from California to Montana to New Mexico. With all my heart I send you my deepest Condolence to you and your family. Your dad will be missed at your events with his camera around his neck, but we will always see him there. Much love to you and your family from New Jersey skier.
Dave Oustad
February 11, 2020 at 9:23 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of the untimely death of Mikaela’s dad. He was the same age as me and I can’t imagine the depths of his loved ones grief right now. We love you Shiffrin family.
Phil Lyell
February 18, 2020 at 10:52 am
I too, am a father of a young woman, who grew up skiing, she loves the mountains and snow, just like your family does. I have followed you, since your beginning, I have always been impressed about the way you handled your rise to greatness, I could see the love and respect you had for your dad, mom, brother, coaches and fans, I know the work, effort and time you have put into your remarkable career. No one knows? what feeling or thoughts are going through your mind now, nor should they, everyone process’s death differently, time will heal but not forget. The way you have handled everything in your life, is a good look into the future, you will do what feels right for you, when it feels right. If you never raced again, you would still be one the best of all time and you will always be a roll model for young women, in anything they do, not just ski racing. I just hope? a little of what your dad taught you, was learned by my daughter, by what I taught her. Thank you, for all the dads out there, who have daughters who love them, like you love yours.
Phil Lyell
Julian Barclay Kirkland,jr.
February 19, 2020 at 4:36 am
Mikaela is my favorite skier all time, always. I have followed you, Mikaela, and your parents , Jeff and Eileen, for many years. I have been so impressed by how your parents each contributed to your success in racing and as a woman. You are great in the human realm because of your stupendous dedication and their love and devotion. Although difficult, I hope you will
lean on
God now and continue on your path making God, America and your adoring fans proud. God bless you, Mikaela. I love you. I have prayed for you now and will do so every day of my life forward so long as I shall live. Barclay Kirkland Bradenton, Florida
David L White
March 2, 2020 at 11:20 pm
I can’t say I knew your father; but I had an uncle that I would have said much the same things about. He was a great guy. He was helping me to become a better person. It was hard to lose him. However, he would be the first to ask me to tell you that it is best to keep busy after such events. You cannot let them stop you from living your life. That said, I always found I was more likely to get injured when I was emotionally upset. If you are like me, this probably means you want to avoid Downhill and SuperG for the rest of this year. However, the saying that you should get back on a horse that bucks you off is a truism, even if it is your father’s death that bucks you off.
Best Wishes Mikaela.
Kenny Gilbert
March 16, 2020 at 2:51 pm
I’m in a drs office and just happened to this story. My dad was just the opposite of this gentleman. He sounded like a wonderful human being and father , husband, friend. I know these times are hard for you all.
Faith is an important part of my life. If it is yours as well, God will
Sustain you.
God bless mr Jeff and the rest of your family
Kenny Gilbert
Maciej Necinski
April 1, 2020 at 10:48 am
Warm condolences on the greatest and nicest skier in the world who will break the Stenmark record for sure. Maciek from Poland
Sonya Retzlaff-Huggins
November 21, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Dear loving family,
Heartfelt prayers of love and healing.
Your beautiful life loving father/dad …Jeff is now “Safely Home.”
Remembering you both together after a race … enjoying time in Squaw Valley, CA …your friendly, kind thoughts to all of us–locals.
We cherish those memories and pictures.
Keep going strong Mikaela …you are in good hands. Amen.
Healthy love,
Sonya Retzlaff-Huggins and family
Bruce Laurie
February 21, 2021 at 12:30 am
wow just watching some racing from Cortina tonight 2/21/2021 on nbc sports did not hear about Jeff Shiffrin until tonight unreal man.. wow spent a lot of time skiing colorado now new mexico uh still ski the butte got a place still in gunnison so anyways sorry to hear about Mikaela’s dad pretty unreal him being an M.D. and all just stuns me man i guess enjoy it why we got it lates
sincerely
bruce
Ted Cohen
February 7, 2022 at 3:33 am
Strange that no one will say what kind of accident it was.
Suzy Q
February 8, 2022 at 8:03 pm
The story says he was sweeping snow from the roof, fell and sustained a brain injury.