Tragic Death of Orienteer Mattia Debertolis at The World Games

August 12, 2025 6:29am

Mattia Debertolis, an Italian orienteer, dies after collapsing during a race at The World Games.

Key details

• Mattia Debertolis was a member of the Italian national team.
• He lived in Stockholm and was part of IFK Lidingö.
• Found unconscious in a race on August 8, he passed away on August 12.
• His death has shocked the sports community.

Mattia Debertolis, a 29-year-old Italian orienteer and member of the Italian national team, passed away following a distressing incident during the men's middle-distance race at The World Games. The event occurred on August 8, 2023, where Debertolis was found unconscious. Despite immediate medical attention and hospitalization, he sadly succumbed to his condition on August 12, igniting shockwaves throughout the sports community.

Debertolis had a strong connection to Sweden, residing in Stockholm while he studied and actively participated in the local sports club, IFK Lidingö. Throughout his career, he represented Italy in several World Championships and the World Cup, gaining recognition for his talents in orienteering. His unexpected death has raised concern and sorrow among athletes and fans alike, reflecting the fragility of life in the high-stakes world of competitive sports. The circumstances surrounding his collapse during the race are currently under investigation, as the sporting world remembers a talented individual taken far too soon.

This article was translated and synthesized from Swedish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.