KUALA LUMPUR: Samoa's boxing coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, tragically passed away during the Paris 2024 Olympics, the International Boxing Association (IBA) said on Saturday.
"We at the IBA extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during the Paris 2024," IBA said in a statement.
It said that the 60-year-old Lionel's dedication and passion for boxing have left an indelible mark on the community.
"His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss," the statement read.
According to US broadcaster NBC, Fatupaito suffered a cardiac arrest, but this information was not confirmed by IBA, German news agency (dpa) reported.– BERNAMA