Olympic cyclist found dead at 50 in her Las Vegas home, leaving sports world in shock
Five-time olympic cyclist passes away at 50 in Las Vegas home, shocking fans and the athletic community
Tragedy has struck the sporting world with the news that Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Olympic cyclist from Venezuela, has been found dead in her Las Vegas home at the age of 50.
The Las Vegas Police discovered her lifeless body on Friday, August 16, after she had been reported missing earlier in the week. Authorities believe her passing occurred on August 11, with the cause of death later revealed to be asphyxiation due to food lodged in her trachea.
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Chirinos was a trailblazer for Venezuelan athletics, dedicating over two decades to her cycling career. She made her Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games and went on to represent Venezuela in four more Olympic Games, concluding her Olympic career in London in 2012. Beyond the Olympics, Chirinos earned multiple medals at the Pan American Games, including a silver in 1990 and two golds and two silvers between 2002 and 2003.
Chirinos had been living in Las Vegas and working at a hotel at the time of her death. Her sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the cycling community. The Venezuelan Cycling Federation expressed their grief and paid tribute to her on Instagram, honoring her significant contributions to Venezuelan sports and her many international achievements.
“Rest in peace, Daniela 🕊️🙏🏻,” the statement read. “Daniela was a prominent figure in national cycling, representing Venezuela in five Olympic Games, and obtaining three diplomas for the country, including several medals in national and international events. Our most sincere condolences to her family and friends.”
Daniela Larreal Chirinos’ legacy as a pioneer in Venezuelan cycling will be remembered. May she rest in peace.
