Five-Time Olympian Dies in Las Vegas Apartment After Choking on Food

Photo : X/@OfficialCOV

Daniela Larreal Chirinos, the celebrated Venezuelan cyclist known for her remarkable Olympic career, was found dead in her Las Vegas apartment on August 16. The 50-year-old athlete had tragically choked to death, with authorities confirming that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to solid food obstructing her trachea.

Larreal Chirinos' death came to light when she did not appear for her shift at a local hotel where she worked. Her body was discovered after her absence prompted concern. According to reports, the incident occurred on August 11, but her death went undiscovered until days later.

Larreal Chirinos was a distinguished figure in Venezuelan sports, having competed in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1992 to 2012. Her Olympic journey included appearances in Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), and London (2012). Her career was marked by significant achievements, including two gold medals at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games and two silver medals at the Pan American Games in 2003. Her contributions to cycling earned her a place of honor in the sports community, celebrated for her perseverance and skill. 

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The news of her passing reverberated through the sports world, leaving fans and fellow athletes in mourning. The Venezuelan Olympic Committee expressed their condolences on X, stating, "The COV Board of Directors regrets the departure of Daniela Larreal. With an outstanding career in track cycling, she managed to represent us with honor in five Olympic Games, accumulating four Olympic diplomas and triumphs that always filled us with great pride."

In addition to her sporting achievements, Larreal Chirinos was known for her outspoken political views. She was a fierce critic of Venezuela’s political leaders, particularly former President Hugo Chavez, whom she accused of misappropriating funds through a fraudulent racing driver sponsorship scheme. Her criticisms extended to Sports Minister Hector Rodriguez. When Nicolas Maduro succeeded Chavez in 2013, Larreal Chirinos condemned the new regime as a dictatorship. This vocal stance led to her exile and a ban from returning to Venezuela.

After her exile, she resettled in Miami, where she worked as an Uber driver before moving to Las Vegas. There, she found employment as a food server, continuing to make a living while away from her homeland. Her unexpected death has brought a somber end to the life of a trailblazer in Venezuelan cycling and a courageous voice in the realm of political activism.