Extreme Sports Influencer Andreas Tonelli Dies in 600-Foot Fall During Solo Mountain Biking Expedition in the Dolomites
- Victor Nwoko
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Andreas Tonelli, a renowned mountain biker and extreme sports influencer, tragically died on Tuesday, July 15, after falling more than 600 feet during a solo biking expedition near Piz Duleda in the Dolomites, Italy. He was 48.
The South Tyrol native was riding alone through the challenging terrain of Vallunga above Val Gardena when the fatal accident occurred. Tonelli had embarked on the high-altitude ride in the late afternoon and was reported missing around 9:00 p.m. local time when he failed to return.
His body was discovered at approximately 1:00 a.m. by an Aiut Alpin helicopter crew at the base of a steep ravine. Due to harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and freezing temperatures, the recovery operation was delayed until the early hours of Wednesday, July 16. The Carabinieri, Italy’s national police force, is continuing to investigate the incident.
Tonelli had shared a video on his Instagram Story at 7:15 p.m., just hours before his death. In the clip, he was seen smiling with his bike over his shoulders after reaching an elevation of 2,905 meters (9,530 feet) atop Piz Duleda in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The ride was part of a four-day “Dolomites Enduro Traverse” adventure.
Known for his fearless pursuits and passion for the outdoors, Tonelli had become a well-known figure in the mountain biking world. After leaving a corporate job, he turned his passion into a profession, becoming a certified cycling and adventure guide and eventually joining the Norrøna ambassador team in 2023. With the brand, Tonelli promoted sustainability, tested new gear, and guided countless biking expeditions across the globe.
Tributes poured in from fans, followers, and colleagues. Norrøna expressed deep sorrow, calling him “a passionate, dedicated, and important voice within the Norrøna family,” remembering his infectious smile and love for nature and biking. The brand highlighted his work as a product tester and bike guide and described the profound impact he had on everyone who met him.
Supporters flooded the comments of Norrøna’s tribute post with heartfelt messages. One fan wrote, “It was an honor for me to share the greatest adventure of our lives with him on Cerro Mercedario this year. We will miss you, Andreas❤️.” Another added, “One of the most inspiring and genuine people we had the pleasure of meeting in our store. His smile lit up the room and he’ll be deeply missed.”
Tonelli’s adventurous career included biking up some of the world’s highest volcanoes, including Chile’s Nevado Ojos del Salado at 6,893 meters (22,615 feet) and Tupungato at 6,570 meters (21,555 feet). Despite his global adventures, he often said his heart belonged in the Dolomites and the Lofoten Islands in Norway, calling them his favorite places on Earth.
The death of Andreas Tonelli marks a profound loss for the extreme sports and mountain biking communities. He is remembered not only for his daring feats but also for his generous spirit, environmental advocacy, and commitment to sharing the joy of the mountains with others.
Comments