An Iranian Paralympic cyclist has died following a crash in Rio on Saturday.
Bahman Golbarnezhad was competing in the men’s C4-5 road race, and had been admitted to intensive care after suffering an accident during the event.
According to Iranian media, the 48-year-old sustained injuries to his neck following the crash, while The Guardian report that having been treated at the scene of the crash, he suffered a fatal heart attack after being taken to hospital.
Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad has died following a crash in the men's C4/C5 road race at the Rio Paralympics
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) September 17, 2016
The Iranian Paralympic Committee confirmed on Saturday evening that the cyclist had sadly passed away.
The family of Golbarnezhad, who competed in the London Paralympic Games four years ago, have been informed and the rest of the Iranian Paralympic team were also told during a meeting at the athlete’s village.
“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,” said Sir Philip Carven, president of the International Paralympic Committee.
Carlos Nuzman, president of Rio 2016 added: “This is very sad news for sport and for the Paralympic movement. Our hearts and prayers are with Bahman’s family, his team-mates and all the people of Iran.”
An investigation into the accident has now been launched.
