American Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Monday night in a Chicago suburb, according to police reports. The 24-year-old Illinois native's passing was confirmed by the Bull Valley Police Department on Wednesday.

Gasienica, who represented the United States at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, began his ski jumping journey at the Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, Illinois. He competed in both the normal hill and large hill events in Beijing, finishing 49th and 53rd respectively. He also contributed to the team event, where the US placed 10th.

USA Nordic Sport and U.S. Ski & Snowboard expressed their condolences on Tuesday, remembering Gasienica as a remarkable athlete, teammate, and friend. Both organizations highlighted his contributions to the ski jumping community and the void his passing leaves behind.

A fundraising effort organized for Gasienica's family indicated he was returning home from work when the accident occurred. The McHenry County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as blunt-force trauma. Gasienica's Olympic appearance was a highlight in a career that included competing in the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in 2016 and 2017, and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 2019.

He is survived by his parents, Jolanta and Wojciech, and his two sisters, Megan and Sabina.