A 19-year-old rising star of Italian downhill skiing has died after falling during a training session, the country's authorities said on Tuesday.

“Matilde Lorenzi has left us,” said the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI).

“President Flavio Roda has no words to express the tragedy suffered by FISI, its coaches, its athletes and Matilde's teammates and coaches,” the federation added.

Matilde Lorenzi fell during a training session in northeastern Italy and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, the FISI said on Monday.

The association then decided to stop training and all other activities of its national teams after the accident.

News of the teenager's death sparked emotional reactions in Italy and across the ski world.

US ski star Mikaela Shiffrin reacted to the news on social media by posting three broken heart emojis.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “great sadness,” while Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his “sincere dismay.”

Italian ski star Sofia Goggia posted a short message on social media calling for prayer, captioned with a black and white photo of Lorenzi.

Lorenzi was a member of the Italian army who also paid homage to her.

“On behalf of the entire Italian Army family and on my own behalf, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Matilde Lorenzi, who lost her life in a tragic accident during training in Senales Valley,” Army Chief said employee Carmine Masiello in a statement.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) also paid tribute to Lorenzi on social media.

“The FIS mourns with FISI President Flavio Roda and the entire Italian winter sports community, including coaches, athletes, teammates, the Federal Council and all FISI employees,” the federation wrote. “FISI mourns, stands with her family, friends and all who cherished Matilde, and honors her memory today and forever.”