Paralympian dies after accident during race
While many athletes at the Paralympic Games are celebrating their medals, there will also be some tears shed and words spoken as one of their own has died.
Iranian cyclist, Bahman Golbarnezhad fell while in competition and died as a result of his injuries. The 48-year-old who wore a prosthesis on his left leg was competing in a C4-5 road race when he fell during a mountain descent.
Rio 2016 communications manager Mario Andrada told the press that Bahman suffered “grave head trauma”. Bahman was wearing a helmet which was found “seriously damaged”.
International Paralympic Committee spokesman Craig Spence told the press “The ambulance then diverted to the nearby Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra where he passed away soon after arrival.”
Officials told the press that Bahman’s family in Iran had already been notified and that he’s team was told of the news during a meeting in the Athletes’ Villiage. The Iranian flag was flown at half-mast and people come to terms with this tragedy.
Carlos Nuzman, who is Brazil’s top official for the games, commented that it was “very sad news for the sport and the Paralympic movement”. He also shared the sentiments of all when he said: “Our hearts and prayers are with Bahman’s family, his teammates and all the people of Iran”.
A minute of silence will also be honoured during the closing ceremony. A very tragic event that has marred an otherwise happy occasion.
Feature image by Jirawong Wongdokpuang / Shutterstock.com
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