Alex Zanardi, Formula 1 Driver and Paralympic Champion, Dies at 59
The athlete was remembered as "a pioneer, icon and legend of the Paralympic Movement" by the International Paralympic Committee
Alex Zanardi Credit: David Jones - PA Images/PA Images via Getty NEED TO KNOW Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59 The former Formula 1 (F1) driver, who went on to become a Paralympic handcycling champion, "passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends," his loved ones said in a statement Zanardi won four Paralympic gold medals and was celebrated as a pioneer and icon of the Paralympic Movement Alex Zanardi, a Formula 1 (F1) driver — who later lost both his legs in a crash and went on to become a Paralympic handcycling champion — has died. He was 59. Zanardi’s death was announced by his family on Saturday, May 2.
"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, May 1," his loved ones said in a statement, per the BBC and The Guardian . "Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends," they continued. "The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning,” the family's statement concluded.
A cause of death has not been shared publicly. Alex Zanardi in 2017 Credit: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Zanardi made his F1 debut in 1991, and he raced for various years through 1999. He also took part in races at IndyCar between 1996 and 2001, and appeared at other major racing events over the years.
The athlete's life and sporting career changed when he lost both his legs in an auto racing accident in September 2001. He took up handcycling after his injury, and in 2012, he won two gold medals at the London Paralympics. He won the same in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.