Olympic cyclist found dead in Vegas
- Five-time Olympic cyclist, Daniela Larreal Chirinos, found dead in her Vegas apartment.
- Cause of death was choking on food, discovered five days later.
- Larreal was a prominent Venezuelan athlete who had opposed the Maduro regime.
Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Olympian and prominent Venezuelan cyclist, was discovered dead in her Las Vegas apartment after reportedly choking on food. The 50-year-old athlete, who had not shown up for work at a local hotel, was found by police on August 15, four days after her colleagues raised concerns about her absence. Initial investigations indicated that she died from asphyxiation, with solid food remnants found in her windpipe. Larreal Chirinos represented Venezuela in sprint cycling at the Olympic Games from 1992 to 2012, earning recognition for her achievements despite not winning a medal. She secured two gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2002 and two silver medals at the Pan American Games in 2003. Her contributions to Venezuelan sports were celebrated by the Venezuelan Olympic Committee, which expressed pride in her legacy. In addition to her athletic career, Larreal was an outspoken critic of the Venezuelan government, particularly under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. Her political activism led to her exile from Venezuela, where she faced threats for her views. After relocating to the U.S., she worked various jobs, including as an Uber driver, before settling in Las Vegas. The Clark County Coroner's Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, with the final cause and method still pending. Larreal's passing has prompted tributes from fellow athletes and political figures, highlighting her significant impact on Venezuelan sports and her courageous stance against governmental corruption.