ALAN VERA, CUBAN WRESTLER AND U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION, PASSES AWAY

Vera originally represented Cuba before transferring to the United States ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He secured a victory at the Dave Schultz Memorial after shifting allegiance to the USA in 2019.

The 33-year-old wrestler won two national titles in the 97 kg Greco-Roman category. He finished as the runner-up at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials before winning a silver medal at the Pan American Championships earlier this year. Tragically, the Cuban-American athlete suffered a cardiac arrest days earlier while playing soccer. According to Milena Ujkic Wick, who shared a condolence note on X, Alan fought for his life for eight weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in New Jersey. His battle ended on Tuesday, September 24.

Sadly, after an 8-week battle, Alan Vera passed away. Elena and baby Vera need our help more now than ever. Please consider making a contribution and/or sharing.

My heartfelt condolences to his family and those closest to him. Rest in peace Alan. 🙏https://t.co/EzJf108u6H

— Milena Ujkic Wick (@MilenaUjkicWick) September 24, 2024

Vera, had a significant connection to New Jersey, particularly through his residency in Jersey City, where he lived until his untimely passing at the age of 33. After defecting from Cuba in 2016, he became a prominent figure in American wrestling, winning national titles and representing the USA at international competitions​.

Vera leaves behind his wife, Elena Pirozhkova, a two-time Olympian and world champion, and their daughter Alina, whom the couple welcomed in 2024. The couple had been married since 2016.