VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A men’s luger from the former Soviet republic of Georgia died Friday after a high-speed crash during training for the Winter Games.
The International Olympic Committee said doctors were unable to revive Nodar Kumaritashvili, and the 21-year-old died at a hospital, hours before the Vancouver Olympics’ opening ceremonies were to start.
IOC president Jacques Rogge said the death “clearly casts a shadow over these Games.”
“The IOC is in deep mourning,” said Rogge, who wiped his eyes and appeared choked up before speaking. “[Kumaritashvili] lost his life pursuing his passion. I have no words to say what we feel.”
Rogge said an investigation is under way but would not comment further on the accident’s implications for the luge competition. Georgia’s Olympic committee was deciding whether to remain in the Games, Rogge added.
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