On Friday, August 16, Las Vegas Police discovered the lifeless body of Daniela Larreal Chirinos, who competed as a cyclist for Venezuela in multiple Olympic Games. The former athlete had been reported as missing early last week.

Authorities now believe that she may have passed away on August 11, noting a truly heartbreaking and unexpected cause of death…

As per reports, Chirinos was a pioneer of Venezuelan athletics. A career that spanned two decades saw her compete in no less than five straight Olympics, beginning with Barcelona 1992 and ending with London 2012.

Outside of the Olympics, she enjoyed success at the Pan American Games, winning a silver medal in 1990, two golds and a silver medal in 2002, and two further silver medals in 2003.

At the time of her passing, it’s reported that Chirinos was a Las Vegas resident who worked at a hotel.

Early last week, the former cyclist was reported as missing, prompting the authorities to begin a search that came to an end when she was found deceased at her home.

As per FOX, it was later determined that the cause of her death was asphyxiation resulting from solid food remains found stuck in her trachea.

Needless to say, word of her passing sent shockwaves around the cycling community. The Venezuelan Cycling Federation paid tribute to the former athlete on Instagram. Their statement reads:

“Rest in peace, Daniela 🕊️🙏🏻. The board of directors of the Venezuelan Cycling Federation, chaired by Eliezer Rojas @eliezerojas, joins the mourning that overwhelms Venezuelan cycling due to the physical departure of Daniela Larreal. Daniela was a prominent figure in national cycling, representing Venezuela in five Olympic Games, and obtaining three diplomas for the country, including several medals in national and international events. Our most sincere condolences to her family and friends.”

Rest in peace, Daniela Larreal Chirinos.