Golbarnezhad was also a competitor at the London Paralympics, although he did not come home with a medal.
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Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad died following a crash at the Rio Paralympics on Saturday.
The race was Golbarnezhad’s second race at the Rio Games.
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”. They informed media wing that ” Regretfully, IR IRAN NPC announces that Mr. Bahman Golbarnez had passed away because of his accident during the competition”.
The Vista Chinesa circuit – which included a treacherous descent where Holland’s Annemiek van Vleuten crashed into the kerb, sustaining heavy concussion – was not part of the Paralympic 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 International Paralympic Committee said.
Golbarnezhad’s death marks the first Paralympics or summer Olympics fatality since the 1960 games.
“Mission accomplished”, said Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee.
“The Paralympic family is united in grief at this horrendous tragedy, which casts a shadow over what have been a great Paralympic Games here in Rio”.
(IranSportsPress.com | Tasnim)- Iran football 5-a-side lost to Brazil in the Paralympic Games final match on Saturday.
Iran’s NPC had two requests – that Golbarnezhad’s body be released to be returned to his family and that a full investigation take place.
The English language Press TV reported that the 48-year-old cyclist sustained severe neck injuries in the crash.
Ashrafi said: “He was married and has a wife and one son. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and the NPC of Iran to whom we offer our most honest condolences”.
A moment of silence will be observed on Sunday at the games’ closing ceremonies.
“They’re having a very, very hard situation at the moment and all I can hope for is his body is with his family and it would be something to make them feel better”.
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His family in Iran was notified and members of the Iranian team gathered in the athletes village.
