Cuban judo wrestler Marisette Espinosa Gonzalez has reportedly passed away at the age of 34.
Her death was announced on Facebook by the Cuban Sports University, which said they were in “great pain” and were currently “in mourning.” fox news. She died earlier this week, the newspaper said.
“On behalf of our teachers, staff and students, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues,” the newspaper said. (Related: Report: Music producer and Milli Vanilli founder Frank Farrion dies at age 82)
Gonzalez, a native of Arroyo Naranjo, had the nickname “La Mole.”
He participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and won the 2013 and 2014 Pan American Games.
Olympic athlete Marisette Espinosa Gonzalez dies at age 34 of apparent heart attack | NewsClick to read more 👇 https://t.co/2vY5H6xmfh
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 24, 2024
Before retiring in 2017, Gonzalez was a 10-year member of the Cuban national team, competing in the 63 kg (139 lb) weight class.
Gonzalez's death came just days after the death of another Olympian in 2016.
Last week, Canadian pole vaulter Sean Barber passed away at the age of 29. according to To USA Today. Just a few months after becoming a national champion at the University of Akron, he won the 2015 world championship.
In other sports-related deaths, former NFL linebacker Ronald Powell died at age 32. Mr. Powell played for the New Orleans Saints. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
