Beloved racer Alex Zanardi, who turned tragedy into Paralympic triumph, dead at 59

The auto racing world is mourning nan nonaccomplishment of Alex Zanardi. The Italian Formula 1 driver, who later became a Paralympic champion aft 2 life-altering accidents, has died, his family announced Saturday. He was 59.

The family confirmed that loved ones were pinch Zanardi erstwhile he died. "Alex died peacefully, surrounded by nan affection of those closest to him," nan family said successful a statement. A origin of decease was not provided.

Zanardi's family besides said that it "Thanks everyone who is sharing their support correct now and asks for respect during this clip of mourning."

Zanardi suffered superior injuries successful a 2020 handbike accident, colliding pinch an oncoming motortruck during a relay arena successful Italy. He sustained facial and cranial trauma and was placed successful a medically induced coma.

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Alessandro Zanardi of Italy celebrates holding his golden badge aft winning nan men's roadworthy rhythm individual clip proceedings H4 class astatine nan 2012 Paralympics astatine Brands Hatch centrifugal racing circuit adjacent London connected Sept. 5, 2012. (Alastair Grant/AP)

Nearly 2 decades earlier, Zanardi mislaid some of his legs successful an car racing crash.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Zanardi successful a station connected X, saying successful part, "Italy loses a awesome champion and an bonzer man, tin of turning each situation of life into a instruction successful courage, strength, and dignity. Alex Zanardi knew really to bounce backmost each time, facing moreover nan toughest challenges pinch determination, clarity, and a spot of tone that was genuinely exceptional."

Zanardi won back-to-back championships successful CART successful 1997 and 1998 successful nan U.S. He past concisely returned to F1.

He yet came backmost stateside, racing successful Germany successful a CART arena successful 2001 erstwhile some of his legs were severed successful a horrific mishap nan play aft nan Sept. 11 violent attacks. CART raced only because nan bid was already successful Germany astatine nan clip of nan attacks and could not return to nan U.S.

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Zanardi was near successful a three-day coma pursuing nan 2001 crash.

During his recovery, Zanardi designed his ain prosthetics and learned to locomotion again. He past turned his attraction to manus cycling and developed into 1 of nan sport's astir accomplished athletes successful nan world.

He won 4 golden medals and 2 silvers astatine nan 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, competed successful nan New York City Marathon and group an Ironman record.

Driver Alex Zanardi (24) of BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE, looks connected earlier nan Rolex 24 astatine Daytona astatine Daytona International Speedway successful Daytona Beach, Florida, connected Jan. 26, 2019. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire)

Zanardi utilized specially adapted cars pinch manus controls for state and braking to return up racing again aft nan 2001 accident.

Stefano Domenicali, nan president and CEO of F1, said he was "deeply saddened by nan passing of my beloved friend," calling Zanardi "truly an inspirational person, arsenic a quality and arsenic an athlete."

"He faced challenges that would person stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, ever pinch a grin and a stubborn determination that inspired america all," Domenicali added. "While his nonaccomplishment is profoundly felt, his bequest remains strong."

Alex Zanardi of Italy crosses nan decorativeness statement astatine nan IRONMAN 70.3 Emilia Romagna successful Cervia, Italy, connected Sept. 22, 2019. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

After Zanardi’s 2020 crash, Pope Francis praised him arsenic a awesome of spot successful adversity and sent a handwritten missive offering encouragement and prayers.

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Before Saturday’s F1 sprint title successful Miami Gardens, Florida, a infinitesimal of soundlessness honored Zanardi. The Italian Olympic Committee besides called for a infinitesimal of soundlessness astatine sporting events crossed Italy.

Zanardi is survived by his wife, Daniela, and son, Niccolò.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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