Tragedy strikes Rio Paralympics as Iranian cyclist dies after crash

It was a sad day in ongoing Rio Paralympics as Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad died after a crash in the men's C4/C5 road race. The unfortunate crash took shape at Grumari loop, which is a mountainous stretch of the course.

The situation did not look good as the cyclist received treatment at the scene itself, but he was rushed to Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra da Tijuca as he suffered a cardiac arrest as well. He took his last breath after reaching the hospital.

Golbarnezhad looked good during the time-trail a few days ago, where he had finished in the top 15, but everyone was shocked with the death of the cyclist on Saturday. He was the only cyclist from Iran to participate in the Games, and Golbarnezhad had participated in the past edition of the 2012 Paralympics as well.

"It is with deep sadness and regret that the International Paralympic Committee confirms the death of the Iranian Para cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad following an accident in this morning's road race at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games," the Iran Paralympic committee said in a statement.

"Golbarnezhad, 48, was involved in a crash at around 10:40am on the first section of the Grumari loop, a mountainous stretch of the course. The athlete received treatment at the scene and was in the process of being taken to the athlete hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest," the Committee stated.

"The ambulance then diverted to the nearby Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra where he passed away soon after arrival."

Following Golbarnezhad's tragic death, the national flag of Iran has been lowered to half-mast in the Games Village. A moment of silence will also take place during the closing ceremony, which is scheduled for Sunday.