“Horrendous Tragedy”: Cyclist Dies After Crash In Paralympic Road Race

In tragic news from the Rio Paralympics, Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad has died following a crash in a men’s road race. Golbarnezhad was 48, and was the only Iranian cyclist competing at the games this year. 
The International Paralympic Committee confirmed his death with “deep sadness” in a statement this morning, saying:
“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 athlete received treatment at the scene and was in the process of being taken to the athlete hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest. The ambulance then diverted to the nearby Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra where he passed away soon after arrival. The athlete’s family who are in Iran was informed this afternoon and the Iranian team was brought together in the Athlete Village earlier this evening and told of the news.” 
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.”
The Iranian Flag has been lowered to half-mast in the Paralympic Village to mark the cyclist’s passing, and a moment of silence will be held during the closing ceremonies. An investigation into the circumstances of the accident has been launched. 
Photo: Gareth Copley / Getty.

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