5-time Olympian Daniele Chirinos found dead in Las Vegas after choking on food
PTC News Desk: Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Olympian, was found dead inside her Las Vegas after choking on her food, according to officials.
The 50-year-old's body was found after she failed to arrive at the Las Vegas hotel where she worked and was checked on, according to Fox Sports. While the "cause and method" of her death were still being investigated, authorities suspected asphyxiation after finding solid food remains in her windpipe, according to The Guardian.
According to a spokeswoman for the Clark County Coroner's Office, an official cause of death is still being determined.
Larreal was one of Venezuela's most well-known athletes, competing in sprint cycling in the Summer Games in Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004, and London in 2012.
Though she never medalled at the Olympics, she did win two gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador in 2002. One year later, she won two silver medals in the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo.
Larreal was engaged in Venezuelan politics. She was a harsh critic of Venezuela's strongman ruler Hugo Chávez, accusing the late president and his sports minister Hector Rodriguez of funnelling money out of the country through the sponsorship of a non-existent racing driver.
- With inputs from agencies
