Pro skier Matilda Rapaport dies filming video game promo

Matilda Rapaport died after getting caught in an avalanche while filming a video game promo for Ubisoft's Steep.

Swedish professional skier Matilda Rapaport has passed away after spending the weekend in intensive care.

The 30-year-old had been filming a promo in the Andes mountains for Ubisoft's upcoming game Steep when she was caught in an avalanche on July 14.

She was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for oxygen deprivation and brain damage, but to no avail.

Days before the incident, Rapaport had uploaded a video to her Instagram account and tagged it #STEEPgame.

"We are deeply saddened to learn the death of Matilda Rapaport, the remarkable Swedish freeskiing athlete," Ubisoft said in a statement to GameSpot.

"Matilda's courage, passion, and desire to share the sport she loved with the world served as an inspiration for other athletes and for us all. This tragic accident has deeply touched us. Our hearts and prayers go out to her husband and her wider family at this difficult time."

This was not Rapaport's first encounter with an avalanche. She was caught in one while skiing in Alaska in 2014, and spoke about the experience in a publication by her sponsor, Redbull.

Redbull has paid tribute to the freeride skier on its website, stating: "Matilda was an extraordinary athlete, traveling the world to find her passion, ride steep terrain, and share her bright smile."

Steep is an extreme sport title that was unveiled by Ubisoft at its E3 press conference this year. It will be set in the Alps, and will allow players to switch between skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, and wingsuiting.

- Gameplanet