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Wrestling star Alan Vera — who just narrowly missed qualifying for Team USA’s Olympic roster earlier this year — has sadly died at 33 years old … after he suffered a medical emergency while playing soccer earlier this summer.
USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender announced the tragic news on Wednesday … revealing Vera had been in the hospital fighting to recover from a July 29 cardiac arrest when he passed away.
“The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world,” Bender said.
A GoFundMe page set up in Vera’s honor stated the athlete sustained “an unexpected infection” over the weekend — which led to his passing Monday night.
Vera, who was born in Cuba, competed for the Cuban National Team in the 2010s … and shined, winning bronze in the 2015 Pan American Games and gold at the 2016 Pan American Championships.
He immigrated to America a short time later, and after getting his citizenship, he competed in several events for Team USA, winning four Senior National titles.
Vera had also been a member of USA Wrestling’s Greco-Roman National Team for the last four years.
“Ever since he came into my life in 2016, he has been a true leader, always ready to do anything for anyone in need,” his coach, Herb House, said. “His selflessness and dedication have made a lasting impact on me.”
Vera is survived by his wife, Elena Pirozhkova — a two-time U.S. Olympian — and newborn daughter, Alina.
RIP.