POLICE are investigating the mysterious death of Olympic skiing gold medallist Vibeke Skofterud after a jet ski accident.
The 38-year-old's body was found washed up on a small island off the coast of Arendal, south Norway.
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Vibeke Skofterud won a variety of medals throughout her near-15 year career before her untimely deathCredit: Getty - Pool
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The world of sport is in mourning after Vibeke Skofterud lost her life in a terrible accidentCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
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After calling time on her career on the slopes as a professional in 2015, the Norwegian star was lending her skills to presenting
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After years of successes on the slopes, Vibeke Skofterud called it quits in 2015Credit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
She had previously attended a concert with her partner Marit Stenshorne, but failed to return to the holiday cabin where they were staying.
Stenshorne reported her missing, and her body was later found. She was believed to have been riding alone.
Bard Austad, operations leader for the Agder Police District told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK): “We’re examining the water scooter, the area and the deceased.
“We’re also questioning any witnesses.
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Vibeke Skofterud has died at the age of just 38, with police investigating how the shocking event happenedCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
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The Norwegian was one of her country's finest ever skiers, and she won a multitude of medals during her careerCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
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Vibeke Skofterud had attended a concert with her partner when she decided to take a jet ski outCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
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Police are saying it could take some time before it is fully known what led to the death of the former ski starCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
“I think this will take a long time because of the scope of the investigation, at least several weeks.
“But the main picture is that this was an accident that didn’t involve anyone other than Skofterud.”
Vibeke Skofterud retired from skiing in 2015, which included winning two Olympic gold medalsCredit: AFP - Getty
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The 38-year-old's death is being investigated by police in Norway after she went for some late-night jet-skiingCredit: AFP - Getty
The investigation is looking at what factors are believed to have led to Skofterud crashing the jet ski, which is believed to have hit land.
There had been thunder, lightning and heavy rain on the night in question, and they are yet to determine the speed she was travelling at.
Skofterud retired from skiing in 2015 after an illustrious career.
She ranked as one of Norway’s top cross-country skiers and was a member of the women’s national ski team from 2001 to 2014.
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Vibeke Skofterud is believed tom have crashed the jet ski into land of the southern Norway coastCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
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Police believe the bad weather in and around Norway could have played a major factor in the death of Vibeke SkofterudCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
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Vibeke Skofterud was just 38 years old when she tragically lost her life - the investigation is continuing as to what happened that fateful night
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The tragic accident that saw Vibeke Skofterud killed after a jet ski accident happened off the coast of NorwayCredit: Instagram @vibekeskofterud
At the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, she helped the Norway relay team to gold in the 4x5km race.
She also bagged gold medals at 2005 and 2011 World Championships in Oberstdorf and Oslo respectively.
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From left to right, Kristin Stoermer Steira, Vibeke Skofterud, Marit Bjoergen and Therese Johaug of Norway celebrate after winning the gold medal in the Ladies Cross Country 4x5km Relay race during the FIS Nordic World Ski ChampionshipsCredit: Getty - Pool
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The 38-year-old's body was found washed up on a small island off the coast of Arendal, south NorwayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
