"God has finally let your soul rest" - Alan Vera's wife and former world champion Elena Pirozhkova pens emotional note on wrestler's demise

Alan Vera's wife Elena Pirozhkova has penned an emotional note while announcing the death of the two-time U.S. National Champion. The wrestler was battling for life for eight weeks in the ICU after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while playing soccer with his friends.

Vera originally represented Cuba before shifting his allegiance to the United States ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He went on to win two national titles, representing the nation at multiple world championships.

The 33-year-old had finished runner-up at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in the Greco-Roman 97 kg category. Earlier in the year, Vera had clinched a silver medal at the Pan American Championships. The national champion was playing soccer with his friends in July following the Olympic Trials and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, spending more than a month in ICU before breathing his last on Tuesday.

Alan Vera's wife Elena Pirozhkova, who is a two-time Olympian and world champion, announced the wrestler's demise on her Instagram story. She penned an emotional farewell to her husband as well, writing that he would be remembered as a brother, a son, and a loving father.

"It's with a broken and heavy heart I need to announce the passing of Alan Vera," Pirozhkova wrote.

"You fought for 8 long weeks in the ICU but God has finally let your body and soul rest. You will be remembered as a brother and a son. A loving father. Thank you for a wonderful 8 years together," she added.

While Elena Pirozhkova was born in Russia and Alon Vera in Cuba, both competed internationally for the United States. The couple married in 2016 and gave birth to their first child, a daughter, in 2024.

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Elena Pirozhkova enjoyed a highly successful wrestling career with the United States

Wrestling - Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016 - Elena Pirozhkova (top) in action (Source: Getty)

Elena Pirozhkova moved to the United States at three and grew up in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She rose through the ranks, making her World Championships debut at the 2008 edition. The 37-year-old made eight straight World teams, making her last appearance in 2015.

Pirozhkova won seven consecutive U.S. national titles in the 63 Kg weight class from 2009 to 2015. She made her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Olympics, later representing the country at the 2016 Rio Olympics as well. While Pirozhkova didn't win any Olympic medals, she managed to secure four at the World Championships -- one gold, two silver, and a bronze.