Alex Zanardi, Formula 1 Driver and Paralympic Champion, Dies at 59

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.

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.

Zanardi was seriously injured in a handcycling crash during a race in Italy in June 2020. He underwent neurological surgery following the crash and went into a coma, CNN reported. 

At the time, Zanardi’s son, Niccolò, posted a photo on Instagram of himself by his father’s side in the hospital.

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Zanardi was remembered by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in an Instagram post as “a pioneer, icon and legend of the Paralympic Movement."

“His performances were truly out of this world, engaged new fans to the Games, and showed the world that anything is possible. He was a man who regularly pushed the boundaries of possibility,” the IPC continued, sharing an image of Zanardi raising his handcycle at the London 2012 Paralympics. 

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time," the committee added.

President and CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, said in a statement on Instagram, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength.”

“He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all. While his loss is profoundly felt, his legacy remains strong,” he added.

Zanardi is survived by his wife, Daniela, and son Niccolò.

PEOPLE has reached out to the IPC for further comment.

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