Tragedy struck the 2024 Paris Olympics as Lionel Fatu Elika, 60, a Samoan boxing coach, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in the Olympic Village on Friday.

The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) confirmed Elika’s death in a statement provided to Fox News. “Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal,” said SASNOC president Pauga Talalelei Pauga. “Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed.”

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Elika served as the team manager for Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, the top-seeded men’s heavyweight boxer. Plodzicki-Faoagali expressed his grief on Instagram, sharing a picture of himself with Elika and writing, “No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reported that Elika died of natural causes and extended its condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Samoan NOC in a statement shared with the Washington Post.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) also issued a statement, slightly varying the spelling of his name: “We at the International Boxing Association (IBA) extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during Paris 2024.”

“Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss.”