Carlos Silva, 48, died Thursday evening after being injured in a bike crash earlier that day. Silva was a competitor in the World Police and Fire Games and a member of the Civil Police of the Federal District of Brazil. He is survived by a 13-year-old daughter.
Two 40-year-old males were also critically injured in the crash, police reported. According to NBC Washington, one rider blew out his front tire while riding downhill in a part of the course in Prince William Forest Part. He then lost control of his bike and crashed, taking out the other riders. Even though all the cyclists involved were wearing proper safety gear, death and injuries resulted.
Firefighters and police officers immediately went to help the riders, but Silva could not be saved. Alexander Manzan, an investigator who traveled with Silva to the Games, said, “He loved what he did. He loved to be here. He loved to train. And most of all he loved his career and his daughter.”
“Investigator Silva and our two other officers are our everyday heroes,” Fairfax County Police Chief Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr. said.
Michael Graham, president of the World Police and Fire Games Federation, offered his condolences in a statement: “We are deeply saddened that an athlete participating in the World Police and Fire Games passed away today at the cycling event in Prince William County. Two other athletes are severely injured. Please join us as we keep these athletes, their families and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic and challenging time.”
Events in the Games for the remaining part of the day on Thursday were cancelled.
The World Police and Fire Games have brought 12,000 first responders from 70 countries together. It is a 10-day event that began June 26 and will run through July 5.
