Peterson of the U.S. celebrates after the men's aerials freestyle skiing final at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
Silver medalist Jeret Peterson of the U.S. celebrates after the men's aerials freestyle skiing final on Cypress Mountain at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 25, 2010. REUTERS

American freestyle skier, Jeret “Speedy” Peterson was found dead outside his car in Lambs Canyon, Utah. He was only 29.

Salt Lake City police announced that Peterson died from a self-inflicted gunshot injury on Monday night. After Peterson called 911 and told the location, he shot himself on his head.

In the past, Peterson had problems with gambling, alcohol and drugs. He had a bad memory in his childhood. He suffered from sexual abuse when he still young. He lost his sister in a drunk driving accident and he witnessed his roommate commit suicide.

Peterson also carried out a long battle with depression. Last Friday he was cited for drunk driving near Sun Valley, Idaho and he had appealed not guilty.

However, Peterson's troubled life could not overshadow his achievements. The skier won the silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and was called the "Hurricane".

"Today is a very sad day in our sport," U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association CEO Bill Marolt told the AP. "Jeret ‘Speedy' Peterson was a great champion who will be missed and remembered as a positive innovative force on not only the sport of freestyle aerials, but on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team family and everyone he touched."

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