Alex Zanardi, Former F1 Driver And Paralympic Champion, Dies At 59

Alex Zanardi, nan erstwhile Formula One driver who mislaid some legs successful a racing clang and went connected to triumph Paralympic golden medals, has died astatine nan property of 59, his family said connected Saturday.

Zanardi, from Bologna, made his F1 debut successful 1991 and later achieved occurrence successful nan cart bid successful nan United States, winning back-to-back championships successful 1997 and 1998. His life took a melodramatic move successful September 2001 erstwhile he was progressive successful a high-speed clang during a cart title successful Germany that led to the amputation of some legs.

Zanardi refused to extremity his sporting career and alternatively turned to para-cycling, becoming 1 of Italy’s astir successful Paralympic athletes. He won 4 golden medals and 2 metallic medals astatine nan 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games.

“It is pinch heavy sorrow that nan family announces nan passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred abruptly yesterday evening, 1 May,” his family said successful a statement. “Alex passed distant peacefully, surrounded by nan emotion of his family and friends.

“The family would for illustration to definitive their heartfelt acknowledgment to each those who are showing their support astatine this clip and asks that their condolences and privateness beryllium respected during this play of mourning.”

Paralympian Alex Zanardi competes successful nan Mixed H 1-4 relay connected time 10 of nan London 2012 Paralympic Games. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Zanardi besides claimed aggregate world title titles successful para-cycling and became a powerful advocator for athletes pinch disabilities. His life took different rustle successful 2020 erstwhile he was earnestly injured aft being struck by a truck while competing successful a kindness para-cycling relay successful Tuscany. He sustained superior caput injuries and spent years undergoing treatment.