Many Olympics fans woke up early to watch Lindsey Vonn pursue a second gold medal in the women’s Alpine downhill final, hoping to see the 41-year-old complete a storybook comeback, one made even more compelling by her competing despite tearing the ACL in her left knee. 

Unfortunately, those watching live or catching up as they tuned in early Sunday morning saw the disturbing scene of Vonn crashing after making her third turn and laying prone on the snow as medical personnel attended to her. Eventually, a helicopter arrived to airlift her from the scene, creating the sort of moment no one wants in an athletic competition. 

Video of Vonn’s crash was quickly posted online, with many eager to see what they may have missed on television and more looking to view the accident again, perhaps trying to determine exactly what happened. But photos were soon posted that showed Vonn’s right ski pole clipping the gate coming out of her third turn, which sent her spinning out into a harsh landing. 

Naturally, the scene from the Tofane slope in Cortina d’Ampezzo was solemn as a previously festive setting turned pensive and quiet. 

Fellow U.S. skier Mikaela Shiffrin had no words to express after Vonn’s crash, but conveyed her feelings of heartache and sympathy through emojis.

Gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton was among the former Olympians sharing their admiration for Vonn’s spirit in competing through adversity, willing to put herself through the difficulty of fighting with injury to pursue success.

Reactions from spectators were also notable, both on site at Cortina and captured from TV. Snoop Dogg was among the famous in attendance showing concern as Vonn received attention on the course. 

Reflecting the times we live in where many feel the need to record everything first-hand on their phones, several focused on a spectator who continued to get video while others looked on in worry.

Another aspect of the crash observers dwelled on was the grisly audio of Vonn screaming in pain while she lay prone on the snow after crashing and while she was receiving medical attention. TV networks also struggled with how much to show of Vonn’s collapse and its aftermath while the event was delayed.

Following Vonn’s crash, two sentiments emerged on social media. One was sadness and heartbreak for a sad, inglorious ending to what so many hoped would be an inspirational story. 

The other, uglier opinion was that Vonn shouldn’t have competed in this event with such a serious injury, leading toward an inevitable outcome.

Additionally. some commented on the discourse that was developing online, noting the criticism that seemed especially harsh and unfair in the moment while also acknowledging the mentality that motivated Vonn to ski despite her body creating obstacles. 

The aftermath of Vonn’s accident brought the variety of reactions that can be expected in virtually any event occuring today on social media, ranging from sympathy to hostility expressed by athletes and celebrities familiar with such experiences, along with nearly anonymous viewers sharing their opinions.