Lionel Elika Fatupaito, a Samoan boxing coach, died suddenly at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

He was 60.

The International Boxing Association announced his tragic death on Saturday.

“We at the 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,” the IBA’s statement read, according to Newsweek.

“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,” it added.

Very sad news.

Samoan Olympic Boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito, died yesterday at the Olympic village from a suspected heart attack. Thoughts are with the Fatupaito family.#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/8pON0Z7OUi

— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) July 28, 2024

Per Newsweek:

According to AFP, Fatupaito suffered a cardiac arrest while at the Olympic Village. He was quickly treated by emergency services, and his cause of death is listed as “natural causes.”

Fatupaito was in Paris to coach heavyweight Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, one of the 24 Olympians representing the island nation. Plodzicki-Faoagali is the only boxer representing Samoa. He is scheduled to box Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete on Sunday.

Plodzicki-Faoagali shared a heartfelt message for his coach on his Instagram story.

“No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel,” Plodzicki-Faoagali, 25, wrote on his Instagram story. “Our last picture together before you passed yesterday Grand Master.”

🇼🇸🇫🇷 | Lionel Elika Fatupaito, coach of the Samoa Olympic boxing team, has died at 60 in the athletes' village in Seine-Saint-Denis after suffering a heart attack. (RFI) #Paris2024 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/xNOMjx3a7d

— Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) July 27, 2024

Metro reports:

A statement from the Oceania National Olympic Committee read: ‘It is with extreme sadness that the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) announces the passing of boxing coach Mr Lionel Fatu Elika.

‘Elika passed away this morning, local Paris time, in the Games Village.’

SASNOC president Pauga Talalelei Pauga said: ‘Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal.

‘Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed.’

Fatupaito was in Paris to coach Samoa’s only boxer in the competition, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali.

The 25-year-old heavyweight has won gold medals in the Pacific Games and two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games.