Keystone
The former Formula 1 driver and later Paralympic athlete Alessandro Zanardi has died at the age of 59. This was announced by his family.
The Italian lost both legs in a racing accident at the Lausitzring in Germany in 2001. He then took up para-sport cycling and won four gold and two silver medals at the Paralympic Games on his handbike.
However, the Italian’s story of suffering was not over yet: in 2020, Zanardi lost control of his handbike during a charity race in Tuscany and collided with a truck. He suffered extremely serious head and facial injuries. His life was in danger for a long time at the time.
The family did not provide any further details on the cause of death. Zanardi died suddenly on Friday evening. “Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones,” it said in a statement.