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Nearly two weeks after she disappeared, former Olympic skier, Blanca Fernández Ochoa’s body was discovered. She was 56 years old.
Spain’s National Police confirmed the news on Twitter and expressed their condolences. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of #BlancaFernandezOchoa and a million thanks to all the volunteers who during these days have participated in the search work.”
Fernández Ochoa was found in a mountainous area near Cercedilla in Madrid, Spain, reported CNN International and the BBC. The cause of her death is unknown.
On Aug. 23, 2019, the skier was last seen in the Aravaca district on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain’s National Police stated in a tweet. Fernández Ochoa was driving a black A-Class Mercedes.
Police found her car on Sunday, three days after they found her body, according to CNN.
Fernández Ochoa went out onto the hilly area to do some “trekking” – something her family says she did quite often, according to People.
She told her daughter, Olivia of her plans before she trekked off.
Later that day, her family became worried when they had not heard from her. After some time had passed, she was reported missing to the police.
Dolores, Fernández Ochoa’s sister told reporters: “I think she must have gone to the family’s favorite area. I am sure she decided to go there and something has happened to her. I can’t think of any other explanation.”
Fernández Ochoa was born in Madrid and competed in four Olympics from 1980 through 1992. She became the first Spanish woman in, 1992, to win a medal in the Winter Olympics. She took home the bronze in the slalom in Albertville, France.
Fernández Ochoa’s siblings, Dolores, Francisco, and Juan were also skiers.
Francisco is the only Spaniard to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. He died in 2006.
By Jeanette Smith
Sources:
People: Spanish Olympic Skier Blanca Fernandez Ochoa, 56, Found Dead After Going Missing Last Month
The Washington Post: Olympic skiing legend found dead after massive search in Spanish mountains
USA Today: Spanish Olympic skier Blanca Fernandez Ochoa found dead in mountains
Top Image Courtesy of Ford Espana’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Featured Image Courtesy of Ricky Romero’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License