Alex Zanardi, the Italian auto racing champion turned Paralympic gold medalist whose career was defined by two life-altering accidents, has died. He was 59.
Zanardi's family announced his death on Saturday, stating that he passed away on Friday night. 'Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him,' the family said in a statement, without providing a cause of death.
In 2020, Zanardi sustained severe injuries in a handbike accident after colliding with an oncoming truck during a relay event in Tuscany. He suffered serious facial and cranial trauma and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Nearly two decades earlier, Zanardi lost both of his legs in a CART racing crash in Germany in 2001.
'Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every challenge of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity,' Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni wrote on X. 'Alex Zanardi knew how to bounce back every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional,' Meloni added. 'With his sporting achievements, with his example, and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up. On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and the sincerest closeness to his family and to all those who loved him. Thank you for everything, Alex.'
Zanardi won two CART championships in the United States before a brief stint in Formula One. He returned to America and was competing in a CART event in Germany in 2001 when both of his legs were severed in a horrific accident, which occurred the weekend after the September 11 terrorist attacks. CART proceeded with the race because the series was already in Germany and could not return to the U.S.
During his recovery, Zanardi designed his own prosthetics—he joked that he made himself taller—and learned to walk again. He then turned to hand cycling, becoming one of the most accomplished athletes globally. He won four gold 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 persona. When he returned to the U.S. in 2019 to drive for BMW at the Rolex 24 at Daytona without his prosthetics, he was the most revered driver in a field that included Formula One champion Fernando Alonso. Drivers from around the world sought out Zanardi for photographs and were captivated as he recounted elaborate tales of his adventures over the nearly two decades since many had last seen him.
Noted for his infectious smile and fanciful storytelling, Zanardi was praised by Pope Francis after his 2020 crash as an example of strength in adversity. Francis wrote a handwritten letter of encouragement, assuring Zanardi and his family of his prayers.
Zanardi's family added that it 'thanks everyone who is sharing their support right now and asks for respect during this time of mourning.' Funeral details are still to be announced, the family said.
