Alan Vera, USA Wrestling Star, Dies at 33

Alan Vera, a star wrestler on the United States’ Greco-Roman national team and a U.S. Olympic team trials runner-up, has died.

Vera died Sept. 23 at age 33, USA Wrestling announced in a statement.

“We ask people to keep Alan’s family and his friends around the world in their thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time,” the organization said.

Vera’s death comes after he suffered sudden cardiac arrest while playing soccer over the summer. Vera had since remained in a hospital in “recovery from his serious health challenges,” according to USA Wrestling.

Vera developed an infection in recent days, according to a Sept. 24 announcement about his death on a GoFundMe page that was created for his family during the summer.

“After an unexpected infection took hold over the weekend, his body, despite fighting with every ounce of strength for the past two months, could no longer endure the battle,” the update read. “While his passing brings a sense of peace knowing he is no longer suffering, the void left behind is immeasurable.”

Vera was married to Elena Pirozkhova, a two-time Olympian and world champion in women’s freestyle wrestling. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Alina, this year.

“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,” Rich Bender, USA Wrestling executive director, said in a statement.

USA Wrestling national Greco-Roman coach Herb House called Vera a “true leader” who was “always ready to do anything for anyone in need.”

“His selflessness and dedication have made a lasting impact on me,” said House.

Vera was born in Cuba and competed as a Greco-Roman wrestler for the Cuban national team, winning a gold medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships and a bronze at the 2015 Pan American Games, according to USA Wrestling.

After immigrating to the U.S., Vera competed in events while pursuing citizenship and eventually becoming eligible to wrestle for the U.S.

Vera went on to win two medals at the Pan American Championships for the U.S.: a silver medal in 2024 and a bronze in 2023.

Vera placed second in the 2024 U.S. Olympic team trials in State College, Pennsylvania, in April, “earning the No. 2 spot on 2024-25 Greco-Roman National Team at 97 kg,” according to USA Wrestling.