Hello everyone,

We were in our 3:30 pm national news meeting when we learned Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke passed away this morning – nine days after her training accident in Park City, Utah.

Burke was touted as an early gold medal favourite ahead of the 2014 Olympic Games -- and it is such an unfair irony that she'll never get to compete in the Games she pushed and campaigned so hard for, to get her sport included.

"Sarah passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved. In accordance with Sarah's wishes, her organs and tissues were donated to save the lives of others," her family spokesperson said in a statement.

Tonight, Sarah Galashan will focus on the tributes to this fearless athlete and freestyle skiing legend. Yes, a legend at 29.

It's clear many expressing their reactions on Twitter agree, for the Twitterverse and other social media sites lit up with tributes and testimonials for the Canadian trailblazer. Here's just a small sample:

The above tweet is Twitter user Guy Spurrier’s reaction to news that Burke’s organs would be donated. Sad news, indeed, but a testimonial to Burke's great and final contribution.

The Burke family has set up a fund to honour Sarah, and help pay for her American medical expenses. Here's a link to that fund.

See you tonight,

Lisa