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'TERRIBLE LOSS'

German Olympic canoeing coach Stefan Henze dies after high-speed car crash

A German canoe slalom coach has died from injuries sustained in a car crash in Rio earlier this week.

Stefan Henze, 35, was involved in a high speed car accident while returning to the Olympic village on Friday morning.

 Stefan Henze (R) has died following a high-speed car crash on Friday night
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Stefan Henze (R) has died following a high-speed car crash on Friday nightCredit: Getty Images

He was travelling along the Avenida das Americas in a taxi when the vehicle swerved across to the other side of the road and crashed into a concrete barrier.

Fellow coach Christian Kaeding was also involved in the collision, but was discharged from hospital with minor injuries.

The German Olympic delegation previously revealed Henze had not been wearing a seatbelt and had suffered severe head injuries as a result.

 Another coach had been discharged with minor injuries, but Henze's severe injuries warranted emergency surgery
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Another coach had been discharged with minor injuries, but Henze's severe injuries warranted emergency surgeryCredit: Getty Images

He had already gone into cardiac arrest on the operating table and been resuscitated by doctors.

It was clear his injuries were life threatening but it was hoped he would recover.

However German Olympic officials confirmed earlier the ex-Olympian had died surrounded by his family.

 Henze coached the German women's canoe slalom team for the Rio games
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Henze coached the German women's canoe slalom team for the Rio gamesCredit: DPA

Henze coached the German women's canoe slalom team ahead of the Rio games.

He also won the silver medal in slalom canoeing at the 2004 Athens Olympics and was formerly a member of the men's rowing technical team.

 German Olympic officials earlier confirmed Henze, a former canoe slalom world champion, had died in the presence of his family
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German Olympic officials earlier confirmed Henze, a former canoe slalom world champion, had died in the presence of his familyCredit: AP:Associated Press

The President of the German Olympic delegation Alfons Hörmann paid tribute to the former world champion.

"We are immensely sad today.

"Words can't begin to describe how we on the Olympic team feel at this terrible loss."

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