Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59, UNN reports, citing the BBC.
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The Italian had both legs amputated following a crash in a US-based Champ Car race at Germany's Lausitzring circuit in 2001.
In the early 1990s, he raced for the Jordan, Minardi, and Lotus teams in Formula 1 before moving to the CART championship in the US, where he won the series in 1997 and 1998, later returning to Formula 1 for the 1999 season with the Williams team.
Following his injury, he took up handcycling and won two gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, later repeating this success in Rio de Janeiro four years later.
"With deep sadness, the family announces the death of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, May 1," the Zanardi family stated.
"Alex passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone providing support during this difficult time and asks that their grief and right to privacy be respected during this period of mourning," the statement reads.
Oldest Olympic champion dies at 10103.11.25, 14:09