Venezuelan Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos was found dead in Las Vegas. Police discovered the body in her Nevada apartment on August 16. The cause of death has also been determined.

Chirinos, who competed in five Olympic Games for Venezuela, died after choking on food in her Los Angeles apartment. According to the Daily Mail, Chirinos was a waitress at a Los Angeles hotel.

The 50-year-old Venezuelan athlete’s colleagues reported her disappearance, and police began an investigation. When police found her dead in her apartment, they assumed she had probably choked on food. She is believed to have died on Sunday, August 11.

An autopsy revealed that food particles were found in her airways, suggesting choking as the cause of death. However, police have not released an official cause of death. Sources familiar with the case believe the former athlete died of lack of air, according to the Daily Mail.

The cyclist made history by participating in five Olympic Games, from 1992 in Barcelona to 2012 in London. Over the years, this athlete won medals in various competitions, including two gold and two silver medals at the Central American Games and two silver medals at the 2003 Pan American Games.

Daniela Larreal Chirinos has a degree in physical education. She was once active in politics in her country and later moved to the United States.

Message from the Olympic Committee

“The COV Board regrets the departure of Daniela Larreal. With an outstanding career in track cycling, she managed to represent us with honor in five Olympic Games, collecting four Olympic diplomas and triumphs that have always filled us with great pride,” the Venezuelan Olympic Committee said in a social media post.

“Will it be just a simple death notice? What else do they have in mind? Maybe publish a written tribute or a chronicle? How will they preserve the history of Danielsa and Venezuelan cycling? HOW MUCH WE LACK MEMORY!” wrote one user.