Sep 18, 2016 via Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Golbarnezhad-dies-crash-Rio-Paralympics.html Iranian Paralympic cyclist, 48, dies in hospital after crashing in mountainous Rio road race Bahman Golbarnezhad has died after crashing in Paralympic road race Cyclist reportedly broke his neck after losing control on downhill section He suffered a heart attack as he was being transferred to hospital By JENNY AWFORD FOR MAILONLINE PUBLISHED: 07:22 +10:00, 18 September 2016 | UPDATED: 09:30 +10:00, 18 September 2016 A Paralympic cyclist has died after he crashed during a mountainous road race in Rio today. Iranian Bahman Golbarnezhad, 48, reportedly broke his neck after losing control on a downhill section of the course during the C4/C5 event. He suffered a heart attack as he was being transferred to hospital and later died in intensive care, officials said. 'It is with deep sadness and regret that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirms the death of the Iranian Para cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad,' a spokesman said. Paralympic cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad, 48, has died after he crashed during a mountainous road race in Rio today (pictured left during the race) 'Golbarnezhad, 48, was involved in a crash at around 10.40am on the first section of the Grumari loop, a mountainous stretch of the course.' The 48-year-old, from Shiraz, was initially treated on the scene and was then taken to Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra. 'He unfortunately passed away,' IPC spokesman Craig Spence told AFP. The athlete's family, who are in Iran, have been informed and the Iranian team was brought together in the Athlete Village to be told the news. Golbarnezhad, 48, reportedly broke his neck after losing control on a downhill section of the course during the C4/C5 event (pictured today) He suffered a heart attack as he was being transferred to hospital - where he later died Officials are now investigating the crash which occurred on the Grumari loop during the event for athletes with upper or lower limb impairments. The race began at Pontal and used many of the same roads as the Olympic event earlier in the year. But it did not include the Vista Chinesa circuit and its treacherous descent where Holland's Annemiek van Vleuten crashed into the curb and suffered concussion in August. The race also ended in controversial fashion when two competitors collided just yards from the finish line. Australia's Alistair Donohoe and Ukranian Yahor Dementyev jostled and nudged each other as they fought for the gold. The race also ended in controversial fashion when two competitors collided just yards from the finish line Australia's Alistair Donohoe and Ukranian Yahor Dementyev jostled and nudged each other as they fought for the gold But the resulting crash saw them both fall on the tarmac. This left the race wide open for Daniel Abraham from Holland to claim gold. Brazil's Lauro Chaman came in second and Italy's Andrea Tarlao finished third. It was Golbarnezhad's second race at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. He took part in the time trial C4 race and finished 14th on Wednesday. Officials and hundreds of fans have paid tribute to the Iranian athlete. The race began at Pontal and used many of the same roads as the Olympic event earlier in the year Officials are now investigating the crash which occurred during the event for athletes with upper or lower limb impairments Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: 'This is truly heart-breaking news and the thoughts and condolences of the whole Paralympic Movement are with Bahman's family, friends, and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Iran. 'The Paralympic Family is united in grief at this horrendous tragedy which casts a shadow over what have been great Paralympic Games here in Rio.' Carlos Nuzman, President of Rio 2016, said: 'This is very sad news for sport and for the Paralympic movement. Our hearts and prayers are with Bahman's family, his teammates and all the people of Iran.' Brian Cookson, UCI President, said: 'I am devastated to hear about the death of Iranian rider Bahman Golbarnezhad. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and the NPC of Iran to whom we offer our most sincere condolences.' The race did not include the Vista Chinesa circuit and its treacherous descent where Holland's Annemiek van Vleuten (shown) crashed into the curb and suffered concussion in August The British Paralympic team tweeted: 'We are devastated by the news of Bahman Golbarnezhad's passing. Our thoughts are with our friends and colleagues from NPC Iran.' Following Golbarnezhad's passing the Iranian Flag has been lowered to half-mast in the Paralympic Village. The Paralympic flag will also be flown at half-mast in the Paralympic Village and at the Rio Centro venue where Iran on Sunday will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the sitting volleyball gold medal match. During tomorrow's Closing Ceremony a moment of silence will be held.
Sep 18, 2016 That's awful. RIP. I know this might come out wrong, but he loved being a cyclist, and died doing what he loved.
