Alex Zanardi (59), the Italian Formula One driver who became a Paralympic cycling champion after losing both legs in a racing accident, has died, his family announced on Saturday.

Zanardi, one of his country’s most respected sportsmen, died on Friday evening. In a statement issued through the charity he founded, Obiettivo3, his family said he died “suddenly” but also “peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends”.

The death comes six years after the four-time Paralympic gold medal winner suffered a second serious crash in June 2020, when his handbike collided with an oncoming truck during a race in Tuscany.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Zanardi as “a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity”.

Cordiano Dagnoni, head of the Italian Cycling Federation, said he “transformed the culture of our country, bringing joy and happiness to those fortunate enough to know him, and hope to so many in Italy and around the world”. A minute’s silence will be observed at this weekend’s races in tribute to the athlete.

Zanardi raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the CART championship in the United States, where he was series champion in 1997 and 1998. He returned to F1 with Williams in 1999 before heading back to CART.

In 2001, Zanardi nearly died in an accident at the Lausitzring track in Germany, after which he had both legs amputated. His car had stalled in the middle of the track after a spin and was struck by another car at a speed of over 300 km/h.

He went on to become one of the best-known figures in Paralympic sport, winning two gold medals at the 2012 London Games and two more in Rio de Janeiro four years later.

In June 2020, he was involved in another accident in Tuscany, suffering serious head injuries. He only returned home 18 months later.

Zanardi, born in Bologna on 23 October 1966, is survived by his wife Daniela and son Niccolo.

ALSO READ: Norris takes pole in Miami as McLaren end Mercedes run