Gina Heslop
Lionel Elika Fatupaito, a well-known boxing coach from Samoa, passed away at the Olympic Village on July 26, 2024. He was 60 years old. According to reports, he died of a cardiac arrest. This news was first reported by Fox News.
The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) confirmed his death in an official statement. Pauga Talalelei Pauga, the president of Samoa NOC, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
He highlighted that Lionel was one of the top boxing coaches in Samoa and a strong supporter of the Olympic spirit. Pauga also shared that the entire Samoan sporting community’s thoughts are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and his friends. He added that Lionel would be greatly missed.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) also released a statement. They expressed their deep condolences to Lionel’s family, friends, and colleagues. The IBA acknowledged Lionel’s significant contributions to the sport of boxing.
They noted that his dedication and passion had made a lasting impact on the boxing community. The IBA assured that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations. They offered their thoughts and prayers to Team Samoa and everyone affected by this loss.
Lionel’s death has been listed as due to natural causes. His passing has been a significant loss for the boxing community and the Samoan sporting world.
He was respected and admired by many for his commitment to the sport and his athletes. His influence and dedication to boxing will be remembered and continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
