Iranian Paracyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad Dies at Age 48 After Paralympics Crash

Iranian paracyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad died on Saturday following a crash at the C4-5 road race of the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. 

The 2012 London athlete, who finished 14th in the time trial earlier this week, crashed on the first section of the Grumari loop near Rio de Janeiro. He received treatment at the scene and suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital, dying shortly after his arrival. 

British Cycling confirmed the news and expressed their condolences:

While event organisers didn't include the Vista Chinesa circuit, where Annemiek van Vleuten suffered a horrific crash during the Summer Olympics, the paralympic course remained a difficult one, as evidenced by several crashes during the time trials.

Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, responded to the tragedy:

"

This is truly heart-breaking 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 (NPC) of Iran.

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. 

"

The 48-year-old, who raced with a prosthetic left leg, started his racing career in 2002. He also competed on the track, failing to medal in the event at the 2012 Paralympics in London.