Ron Austin (husband of Claudine Longet)

Ron Austin was a professional skier and businessman who became well-known for his relationship with Claudine Longet, a French singer and actress. Austin was born in 1932 in California and grew up skiing in the Sierra Mountains. He went on to become a successful ski racer and instructor, and he became the freestyle skiing director at the Aspen Skiing Company in Colorado in the 1960s. Austin met Longet in Aspen in the early 1960s and the two began dating, eventually getting married in 1961. Longet's career took off during this time, and Austin became her manager and producer. However, their relationship became strained, and they divorced in 1975. In 1976, Longet was charged with manslaughter after fatally shooting her boyfriend, skiing champion Spider Sabich, in their home. Austin stood by her side during the highly-publicized trial, testifying on her behalf. Longet was ultimately convicted of a lesser charge and sentenced to 30 days in jail. After the trial, Austin largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on his businesses and hobbies, which included flying planes and sailing. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 77.