Former Olympian Daniela Larreal Chirinos was discovered dead at the age of 50 in her Las Vegas home. Authorities later revealed that her passing was caused by an unexpected and tragic circumstance.

The world of sports was rocked this weekend by the tragic news of the death of Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Venezuelan Olympic cyclist. On Friday, August 16, 2024, Las Vegas police discovered the lifeless body of the 50-year-old athlete in her apartment after she had been reported missing earlier in the week.

It was later determined that the cause of her death was asphyxiation, resulting from solid food remains found lodged in her trachea. Authorities believe she passed away on Sunday, August 11.

Chirinos was a pioneering figure in Venezuelan athletics, with a career spanning two decades and marked by her participation in five Olympic Games.

The news of Chirinos’s death sent shockwaves through the cycling community. The Venezuelan Cycling Federation paid tribute to her on Instagram. The translated message stated:

“Rest in peace, Daniela 🕊️🙏🏻. The board of directors of the Venezuelan Cycling Federation, chaired by Eliezer Rojas @eliezerojas, joins the mourning that overwhelms Venezuelan cycling due to the physical departure of Daniela Larreal. Daniela was a prominent figure in national cycling, representing Venezuela in five Olympic Games, and obtaining three diplomas for the country, including several medals in national and international events. Our most sincere condolences to her family and friends.”