Samoan boxing coach dies at Olympics following cardiac arrest

"Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal," Samoa NOC president Pauga Talalelei Pauga said in a statement.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: July 27, 2024 12:52pm

The national boxing coach of Samoa, Lionel Fatu Elika, passed away on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

He passed away at age 60 in the Olympic village at the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to Fox News.

The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) confirmed his death.

"Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal," Samoa NOC president Pauga Talalelei Pauga said in a statement.

Pauga said his thoughts are with Elika's family and the Samoan sporting community.

Boxing at the Olympics begins Saturday.

Elika reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in the Olympic village where he was treated by medics. The cause of death is listed as from "natural causes."