Famous athletes who died in tragic accidents

Dubai: The sporting world is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of Portugal and Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who was involved in a fatal car crash alongside his brother, Andre Silva. Jota, who had been married just three weeks earlier and was a father of three, was driving his Lamborghini when a tyre blowout caused the vehicle to crash while overtaking. The car caught fire following the collision, leaving the global sports community stunned.

Jota’s tragic accident is a painful reminder of the many athletes whose lives have been cut short by unforeseen tragedies. Here’s a look at some other prominent sports figures who lost their lives in similar heartbreaking circumstances:

Kelvin Kiptum (Marathon Running)

World marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a car crash in Kenya in February last year, along with his coach. The vehicle lost control while driving at night, veered into a ditch, and struck a tree. Kiptum made history as the first man to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute, setting a record time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in October, surpassing fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge's previous mark.

Kennedy Njiru (Steeplechase)

Kenyan steeplechase athlete Kennedy Njiru, 32, died in a road accident near Nyahururu, Kenya in January 2020. Known for strong performances at both national and international competitions, his loss was deeply felt within the athletics community.

Kobe Bryant (Basketball)

NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020. After a 20-year career with the LA Lakers and five NBA championships, Kobe left an indelible legacy. His untimely death was a global shock, and he continues to inspire millions around the world.

Emiliano Sala (Football)

Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala tragically died in a plane crash over the English Channel in January 2019. The 28-year-old was en route to join Cardiff City following a £15 million transfer. The wreckage, along with Sala’s body, was discovered nearly two weeks later.

Jose Antonio Reyes (Football)

Former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes was killed in a car accident in Utrera, Spain, in June 2019. The crash also claimed the lives of his cousins, Jonathan Reyes and Juan Manuel Calderón. Reyes was just 35 years old.

Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR)

NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt lost his life during the final lap of the Daytona 500 in Florida in February 2001. Suffering a fatal skull fracture after crashing into a retaining wall, his death prompted NASCAR to introduce significant safety reforms, including the mandatory use of head and neck restraint systems.

Jules Bianchi (Formula 1)

French F1 driver Jules Bianchi suffered a severe crash during the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014 when his car slid off the track in heavy rain and collided with a recovery vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries nine months later, marking the first F1 racing fatality in over two decades.

Ayrton Senna (Formula 1)

Three-time world champion Ayrton Senna was killed in a crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at the Imola Circuit. His car went off track at the high-speed Tamburello corner and struck a concrete barrier. Senna died instantly from head injuries. His death led to major safety overhauls in Formula 1.