Photo: Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images
Almost two weeks after her disappearance, the body of former Olympic skier Blanca Fernández Ochoa has been found. She was 56.
Spain’s National Policeconfirmed the newson Twitter and expressed their sympathy.
“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 discovered in a mountainous area near Cercedilla in Madrid, Spain,BBCandCNN Internationalreported. At this time, her cause of death remains unknown.
The athlete was last seen on Aug. 23 in the Aravaca district on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain’s National Police said in a tweet. She was driving a black A-Class Mercedes.
On Sunday, police found her car and just three days later they located Fernández, according to CNN.
Blanca Fernández Ochoa.Gianni Ferrari/Getty Images
Fernández Ochoa had ventured out into the hilly area to do some “trekking” — something her family says she did quite often,Hola!reported.
She told her daughter Olivia of her plans, according to the outlet, just before she set off.
“I think she must have gone to the family’s favorite area,” Fernández Ochoa’s sister Dolores told reporters,Hola!andCBS Sportsreported. “I am sure she decided to go there and something has happened to her. I can’t think of any other explanation.”
Blanca Fernández Ochoa (R).Europa Press/Getty Images
Born in Madrid, Fernández Ochoacompetedin four Winter Olympics from 1980 through 1992. In 1992 she became the first Spanish woman to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. She took home bronze in the slalom in Albertville, France.
Her four siblings — Dolores Fernández Ochoa, Francisco Fernández Ochoa and Juan Manuel Fernández Ochoa were also skiers.
Francisco is theonly Spaniard to win a gold medalat the Winter Olympics. He died in 2006.
source: people.com
