Alex Zanardi, former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion, has died at 59. He was known for winning four Paralympic gold medals and was a celebrated figure in the Paralympic Movement.
Key points
Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59
He was a former Formula 1 driver
Zanardi won four Paralympic gold medals
He became a Paralympic handcycling champion after a crash
His family stated he passed away peacefully
Mentioned in this story
Alex Zanardi
Paralympic Movement
Alex ZanardiCredit: David Jones - PA Images/PA Images via Getty
Alex Zanardi
Credit: David Jones - PA Images/PA Images via Getty
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.
Alex Zanardi in 2017Credit: Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Q&A
What caused Alex Zanardi's death?
The cause of Alex Zanardi's death has not been specified in the available statements.
How many Paralympic gold medals did Alex Zanardi win?
Alex Zanardi won four gold medals at the Paralympics.
What is Alex Zanardi known for besides Formula 1?
Besides Formula 1, Alex Zanardi is known for becoming a Paralympic handcycling champion after losing both his legs in a crash.
What impact did Alex Zanardi have on the Paralympic Movement?
Alex Zanardi was celebrated as a pioneer and icon of the Paralympic Movement, inspiring many with his achievements.
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Alex Zanardi in 2017
Credit: Alex Caparros/Getty Images
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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Alex Zanardi in 2019Credit: Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty
Alex Zanardi in 2019
Credit: Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty
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.
