Former F1 driver and Paralympic gold medalist Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59. His career was marked by two life-changing accidents.
Zanardi’s family announced his death on Saturday and announced his passing on Friday night.
“Alex passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of those close to him,” the family said in a statement, without disclosing the cause of death.
In 2020, Zanardi was seriously injured in a handbike accident when he collided with an oncoming car during a relay event in Tuscany.
Zanardi suffered severe facial and cranial trauma in the accident and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Nearly 20 years ago, Zanardi lost both legs in a car racing accident.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on social media: “Italy has lost a great champion, an extraordinary man who could turn every hardship in life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity.”
“Alex Zanardi always knew how to bounce back and faced even the most difficult challenges with determination, clarity and truly extraordinary strength of mind,” Meloni added.
“With his achievements in sport, his example, and his humanity, he gave us all more than just victory. He gave us hope, pride, and the strength to never give up. On behalf of myself and the government, we extend our deepest thoughts and deepest sympathies to his family and all those who loved him. Thank you for everything, Alex.”
Zanardi won the championship twice in CART in the United States before briefly moving to F1.
He returned to the United States and competed in CART events in Germany in 2001, but had both legs amputated in a horrific accident the weekend after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
CART entered the race because the series was already in Germany at the time of the attack and could not return to the United States.
During his recovery, Zanardi designed a prosthetic leg for himself that allowed him to walk again, although he joked that it made him taller.
Zanardi won four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games.
He then turned his attention to hand cycling and developed into one of the best athletes in the world.
He won four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, competed in the New York City Marathon, and set an Ironman record.
His spirit, will and determination gave the beloved Italian a larger than life personality.
When he returned to the United States in 2019 to compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona without a prosthetic leg for BMW, he was among the most respected drivers in the field, including F1 champion Fernando Alonso.
Drivers around the world asked for photos of Zanardi, and many were transfixed as he detailed his adventures over the nearly 20 years since he first laid eyes on him.
Zanardi, known for his infectious smile and fantastical storytelling, was praised by Pope Francis as an example of strength in adversity after his fall in 2020. Francisco wrote a handwritten letter of encouragement to Zanardi and his family offering his prayers.
Zanardi’s family added: “We would like to thank everyone who is sharing their support right now and ask that you please pay your respects during this time of mourning.”
According to the family, funeral details have not yet been announced.
