'Great tragedy': Olympics rocked by boxer's shocking death at 33
WARNING: The following article contains images that some readers may find confronting.
The Olympics community is mourning the tragic death of Vasile Belous after the boxer was killed in a car crash in his native Moldova.
Police in Moldova have confirmed the tragedy after 33-year-old Belous lost control of his Mercedes in the north of the country.
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Belous' car reportedly slammed into the wall of a monastery at high speed, with local media images showing the damage to his vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene in the town of Calaraseuca just days after his 33rd birthday.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Officials are investigating the accident. It is not yet known what caused the Olympian to crash.
Tributes flow after tragic death of Vasile Belous
Belous represented his country at the London Olympics in 2012, reaching the second round.
He won a bronze medal in the welterweight division at the European Championships in 2017.
"He was a very technical athlete. There were few athletes with such technique in Moldova," coach Petru Caduc told Publika.
"He was a personality, a very dedicated man. He fulfilled everything I asked of him.
"He trusted me, he never betrayed me.
"He was a great fighter. We are very sorry about what happened."
Belous fought in 116 amateur bouts, winning 72 times with two knockouts.
He fought his last fight in Poland just four months ago.
"He was a performance athlete, the pride of Moldovan boxing," national coach Igor Untila said.
"He participated in the Olympic Games and it is a great tragedy what happened.
"Condolences to the grieving family and all his loved ones."
sad news.
— Ivin Gancius (@ivan457) August 31, 2021
Vasile Belous was a national champion and one of Moldova's best boxers
The welterweight reached the second round of the London Games in 2012
Police in his homeland of Moldova have confirmed the death of the 33-year-old— MassiVeMaC (@SchengenStory) August 31, 2021
So sad... May he find peace in his rest.
— Nadoz (@ChibuezemNadoz) August 31, 2021
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