Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a distinguished five-time Olympian, was found dead in her Las Vegas residence after an incident of choking on food. The 50-year-old athlete, known for her remarkable career in sprint cycling, was discovered after she failed to arrive at her workplace, prompting a check by concerned parties.
Authorities suspect asphyxiation as the cause of death, following the discovery of solid food remnants in her windpipe. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has yet to officially determine the cause, as investigations are ongoing.
Larreal Chirinos, a prominent figure in Venezuelan sports, competed in the Summer Olympics across five Games—from Barcelona 1992 to London 2012. Though she did not win an Olympic medal, her achievements include two gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador (2002) and two silver medals at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo (2003).
In addition to her athletic career, Larreal Chirinos was an outspoken political figure. She was a vocal critic of Venezuela’s former president Hugo Chávez and his sports minister, Hector Rodriguez, accusing them of financial misconduct through fraudulent sponsorships.
Her passing is a significant loss to both the sports and political communities. Further details will be provided as investigations continue.
