Serious illness

ORF mourns: Longtime employee passes away

ORF mourns the loss of a longtime director.

(Bild: GEPA)

Great sadness at ORF: Werner Mitterer, who worked as a director for many years, passed away on Saturday after a short and serious illness at the age of 61.

"ORF Sport mourns the loss of its longtime director Werner Mitterer," the TV station's sports department announced on Sunday. Mitterer had lost his battle against a serious illness.

Colleagues mourn
The dismay is huge. "That was it. It's time to say goodbye. Not only from these Nordic World Ski Championships 2025, but unfortunately also from a colleague Werner Mitterer, who was valued by everyone," said Boris Kastner-Jirka into the ORF camera on Sunday. "Unfortunately, he couldn't live to see the end of these World Championships." Working with Mitterer was "a lot of fun".

Colleague Kristina Inhof is also in mourning. "I loved working with you, your voice in my ear during the director's announcements was always clear, to the point and gave me confidence during live broadcasts. Even if you can no longer read it, thank you for your work. All the best from the bottom of my heart to where I hope you're doing better now," she wrote under the post.

Capitals: "Will miss him dearly"
Mitterer was also a long-time employee and supporter of the Vienna Capitals. "We will sorely miss having him by our side. The Capitals organization expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Werner Mitterer," said the ice hockey club.