Alex Zanardi has died. He was 59 years old. Funeral on 5 May at St Justina in Padua

He died Alex Zanardi. This was announced by his family. A former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion, Zanardi, born in Bologna, was 59 years old. After a car accident in 2001 in which he had his legs amputated, he devoted himself to Para-cycling, winning four gold and two silver medals at the London 2012 and Ri0 2016 Games. In 2020 another tragic accident, a collision with a lorry while on a handbike he was taking part in a charity race organised by him on the roads around Siena.

"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the death of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May". Thus the family's note in announcing the death of the great champion, who would have turned 60 next October. 'Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones,' it reads. 'The family would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts all those who are showing their closeness in these hours, and asks for respect for their grief and privacy in this time of mourning. Information on the funeral will be announced at a later date.

Alex Zanardi's funeral will be celebrated on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 11am at the Basilica of Santa Giustina, in Prato della Valle, Padua. This was announced by the family in a note. 'His wife Daniela and son Niccolò,' it reads, 'wish to sincerely thank the many people who have shown their closeness and affection in recent hours. Yet another precious testimony of how Alex managed to convey his very strong message of life in the most profound way'.