Rio 2016: Paralympian, Bahman Golbarnezh, dies after crash

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Rio 2016: Paralympian, Bahman Golbarnezh, dies after crash

A 48-year-old Iranian para -cyclist, identified as Bahman Golbarnezhad, yesterday, died after a crash during a race at the Rio Paralympics in Brazil.
The paralympian crashed at a mountainous part of the race ’s course, which are the same circuit as the one used in the first part of Rio Olympics.

The International Paralympic Committee, IPC, told reporters that Golbarnezhad initially survived the crash and received treatment at the side of the road but later suffered a Cardiac arrest on his way to the Paralympics ’ athlete hospital.


The Committee added that he was rushed to a Rio hospital where he was confirmed dead.

It said it would investigate the circumstances that led to the crash.

The IPC President ,Philip Craven said in a statement that, “This is truly heartbreaking 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 of Iran.”

Meanwhile, the Iranian flag has been lowered to half mast in the Paralympic Village and there will be a moment of silence during closing ceremonies on Sunday.


Golbarnezhad also competed in the 2012 Paralympics in London.

His death was the first during competition at any Olympics Games since 1960, when Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen died during the 100 km team time trial in Rome.