Commentary

Female skiers react to Sarah Burke's death

Emotional anecdotes and reactions to Burke's death pour in across freeski community

Updated: January 20, 2012, 6:50 PM ET
By John Symms | ESPN Action Sports

In her beautiful 29 years of life, Sarah Burke spent much of her time on snow. A legend, she will be remembered as the most decorated female freeskier in the world and for her tireless work as an ambassador for the sport she loved. Her friends on the slopes will always cherish the lively, passionate and deeply kind person she was to all she met. If you took one look at her golden smile, you could tell that Sarah was and truly is an angel.

The freeskiing community's grief over the tragedy of her death Thursday has been pouring in over social media sites and via the fundraising website giveforward.com, which has already raised $125,000. Here are reactions posted by some of freeskiing's top female athletes:

Keri Herman:
"Sarah is one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever had the blessing of spending time with. She has been such an inspiration to so many including myself. I would be lucky to live the rest of my life even half as amazing as she has lived hers."

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The death of Canadian freeskier Sarah Burke has touched sports figures around the world. Read their remembrances here. Story

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Ashley Battersby:
"She had a smile for everyone. She had a heart of GOLD. She left the sweetest memories for all of us to hold. It broke our hearts to lose you Sarah, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

"Sarah, you are my idol, my hero and my friend. You have been my inspiration to not only becoming the best skier I can be, but also the best person I can be. You shined so much light in the darkest times. We are going to stand together in your name, your fight for women's skiing, and your love for life. I can hear your little laugh now and I will keep you in my heart forever. I love you."

Mirjam Jaeger:
"When I stood up on a Podium next to her for the first time, I felt very proud. It was always okay if Sarah would beat me because it's Sarah, you know? She pushed the sport in many ways, paved the way for Women's Freestyle Skiing. In my head I already saw her winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics because I knew how bad she wanted it, and if anyone could do it, it was her. Her positive attitude, her smiles, her kindness and her extraordinary skiing will be missed, but never forgotten!"

Jen Hudak:
"Sarah, you are my hero, my idol, my inspiration, my friend. I will carry you forever in my heart. Your strength will propel us all forward. None of us would be here without you. Thank you for making this world a better place. I hope we can make you proud."

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