United States Greco-Roman wrestler Alan Vera died Monday evening after well being issues from a summer time cardiac arrest whereas enjoying a membership soccer match in New Jersey.
Vera was 33 years previous.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Greco-Roman U.S. National Team member, husband and father Alan Vera,” USA Wrestling stated in a press release on X Tuesday evening.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Alan Vera pins Timothy Younger within the first spherical of Closing X NYC wrestling on the Hulu Theater at Madison Sq. Backyard June 8, 2022. (IMAGN)
“Alan represented Team USA and USA Wrestling with the utmost class, and always brought a smile to those around him. He will be missed.”
Vera, who certified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, was enjoying in a match with pals for the New Jersey Wolves FC in Jersey Metropolis, New Jersey, July 29 when he went into cardiac arrest.
Vera had been hospitalized since then with “critical well being challenges,” in accordance with USA Wrestling. A GoFundMe web page created on Vera’s household’s behalf stated an “unexpected infection took hold over the weekend.”
“His body, despite fighting with every ounce of strength for the past two months, could no longer endure the battle,” the GoFundMe web page stated. “While his passing brings a sense of peace knowing he is no longer suffering, the void left behind is immeasurable.”
Vera, a local of Guttenberg, New Jersey, was married to two-time U.S. Olympian and world champion freestyle wrestler Elena Pirozhkova. They shared an toddler daughter, Alina.
“Our hearts have been broken,” USA Wrestling Govt Director Wealthy Bender stated in a press release. “Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan. The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world.”
Jon Anderson of america (in purple) competes in opposition to Alan Vera of Cuba (in blue) within the males’s Greco-Roman wrestling 59-kilogram semifinals throughout the 2015 Pan Am Video games at Mississauga Sports activities Centre. (John David Mercer/USA In the present day Sports activities)
Vera was Cuban born and shortly grew to become a star in Greco-Roman wrestling for the Cuban Nationwide Group, profitable bronze on the 2015 Pan American Video games and gold within the 2016 Pan American Championships.
He finally immigrated to the U.S. and lived in Florida, pursuing American citizenship whereas persevering with to compete in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Vera competed within the 2021 and 2022 Senior World Championships for Group USA at 86 kilograms and was a member of the Greco-Roman Nationwide Group since 2020. He completed second on the U.S. Olympic Group Trials and earned himself the No. 2 spot on the 2024-25 Greco-Roman nationwide staff at 97 kilograms.
He additionally reached the finals within the 2024 Pan American Olympic Qualification Match in Mexico, which allowed him to qualify for the U.S. at 97 kilograms within the Olympics.
Alan Vera of New York AC throughout a Greco-Roman 97-kilogram championship match on the Olympic Wrestling Group Trials April, 20, 2024, on the Bryce Jordan Middle in College Park, Pa. (Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Vera was well-known for his exciting style of wrestling, which often included high-amplitude throws and strong par-terre skills which led to many exposures on the mat. However, he will be remembered more for the kind of man that he was, a positive, friendly, up-beat person who brought joy to those around him,” USA Wrestling’s assertion added.
