By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-25 20:41:19 | Updated at 2024-09-30 23:31:09
5 days ago
American wrestling star Alan Vera passed away on Monday night at age 33 two months after he suffered cardiac arrest while playing a pick-up soccer game in New Jersey.
Vera went into cardiac arrest on July 29 in Jersey City, New Jersey per his soccer team, New Jersey Wolves FC.
After fighting to stay alive for several weeks, Vera passed away after 'an unexpected infection took hold over the weekend,' per a GoFundMe page to help with expenses for Alan's wife Elena Pirozkhova and their newborn baby girl Alina, who was born this summer.
Pirozkhova is a two-time Olympian in women's wrestling for Team USA.
Vera barely missed qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics himself in Greco-Roman wrestling at 97 kilograms.
USA wrestler Alan Vera passed away on Monday at 33 after suffering from a cardiac arrest
Vera barely missed on qualifying for the Olympics for Team USA this summer at 97 kilograms
'Our hearts have been broken. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan,' said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender via news release.
'The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world.'
As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe page for Vera's family had raised more than $43,000.
'Ever since he came into my life in 2016, he has been a true leader, always ready to do anything for anyone in need,' said USA Wrestling National Greco-Roman Coach Herb House. 'His selflessness and dedication have made a lasting impact on me.'
Vera first competed internationally for Cuba and competed on the international stage for the country, winning a Pan-American title in 2016.
Later that year, Vera immigrated to the United States and has competed for America ever since.
