Tragedy strikes Rochette

[Buttercup]

Oh, no. This is just awful.

I wish Joannie all the best and I hope that if she does indeed compete, she will give two performances to be proud of, regardless of the result. What a terrible thing to cope with during what should have been a wonderful time in her life.

[Kissx3]

Oh my God! She was only 55 too. This is heartbreaking!

[Blades of Passion]

Wait, what? I thought her mom died in the season leading up to the last Olympics? I remember some kind of commentary about her program from that season being based on a tribute to her mother or something?

This is sad. :(

[chania36]

I've read the paper here in Montreal and they are saying that she did suffered a sudden heart attack and that Joannie plans to still compete in Vancouver. I would give the link but it is in french. All our thoughts and prayers must be with her and her family.. How hard this must be on her. Her mother had just arrived in Vancouver with her husband to see her daughter skate.. how sad this is, I just have hard time to believe this, I'm all shaken up.

[Blades of Passion]

Wait, what? I thought her mom died in the season leading up to the last Olympics? I remember some kind of commentary about her program from that season being based on a tribute to her mother or something?

This is sad. :(

[Figure88]

OMG. Such terrible news. I'm so sorry for the loss.

[Tonichelle]

it's like Angela Nikodinov at nationals 2005 all over again.

I am devastated for her. The article I read earlier said she says she plans to compete, and I hope it's a magical moment for her...

[Moxie]

Poor Joannie. I hope she has a good support system around her right now. :(
Omg, and I hope the media rats have the decency to leave her alone right now.

[BigJohn]

The tile says it all.

[ARipp42014]

OMG! My thoughts and prayers goes out to her and her family! Only 55.

I really hope she skates lights out in memory of her mom this week!

[janetfan]

Such sad news and my heart goes out to Joannie and her family.
My prayers are with Joannie and hope her decision to compete helps her through this very difficult moment in her life.

[sk8tngcanuck]

My heart breaks for Joannie -If she does skate, my hope is that the trolls that have come out in full force this Olympics on this board don't cry "gifted due to tragedy".

[figuristka]

Wait, what? I thought her mom died in the season leading up to the last Olympics? I remember some kind of commentary about her program from that season being based on a tribute to her mother or something?

This is sad. :(

I think her mother had lost her first love in an accident, and the music meaningful to her mother? Sorry cannot remember.

[museksk8r]

I think her mother had lost her first love in an accident, and the music meaningful to her mother? Sorry cannot remember.

That's right! It was her LP to Hymne à l'Amour in 2006.

[Saundy]

I just can't believe this! And I certainly wouldn't have half the courage to continue after something so devastating. I always knew this girl had guts and this just proves it beyond a doubt. I don't care about a medal anymore for her. I just want her to skate for herself and in memory of her mother. This is what any mother would want...

Condolences Joannie...you are an Olympic hero already in my eyes.