Alan Vera dead at 33: American wrestling star dies after suffering cardiac arrest while playing football

WRESTLING star Alan Vera died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a football match earlier this year.

The 33-year-old passed away on Monday evening, having been hospitalised after the incident in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Vera was playing a football match with his club, Wolves FC, when he suffered a cardiac arrest in July.

It was confirmed in an Instagram post by the club, which revealed he was "fighting for his health".

After several weeks, he succumbed to an "unexpected infection that took hold over the weekend", according to his family.

Vera narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics to compete in the Greco-Roman wrestling event.

He is survived by his wife, Elena Pirozhkova, and their infant daughter, Alina, who was born in the summer.

Elena also has experience in the wrestling world, having competed at two Olympics.

USA Wrestling executive director Rich Bender released a statement following his death.

It read: "Our hearts have been broken.

"Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan.

"The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world."

Cuba-born Vera won four national championships in his career as well as the Pan American title in 2016.

It was after that success that he emigrated to the US and became eligible to represent Team USA.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to provide support for Vera's family and has so far reached £32,000.