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Update
A memorial vigil will be held at 8 p.m. tonight at the Reston Town Center in honor of Silva.
A vigil is being held tonight for Brazilian officer Carlos Silva, details below; https://t.co/KWdIa1jAQN
— PWCPoliceDept (@PWCPoliceDept) July 3, 2015
Original post
A competitor in the 2015 World Police and Fire Games has passed away, following a bicycle accident.
The deceased – 48-year old Brazilian Carlos Silva – was one of three seriously injured officers the accident, which took place during one of the Game’s events at Prince William Forest park in Triangle.
Silva died at the hospital due to his injuries at 5 p.m. yesterday, stated Prince William police.
Prince William police’s Crash Investigation Unit was called to the scene of the incident to investigate yesterday afternoon.
What happened at Prince William Forest Park
According to Prince William police, the accident happened when several cyclists were traveling downhill and one of the bicyclists had a front tire blowout. The blowout and crash caused a collision with several other bicyclists in the area.
The accident happened on a closed cycling course near Turkey Run Road, on Scenic Drive.
Potomac Local went to the scene of the crash and saw that the collision took place as cyclists were coming around a curve, where the road turns into a hill.
Several bicyclists were injured during the crash, but only the three were taken to area hospitals for their serious injuries, said Prince William police. Several members of Prince William fire and rescue and Fairfax police were at the event and were able to immediately assist injured cyclists.
An unidentified 44-year old man and 43-year old man were the other two individuals taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The bicyclists involved in the crash were all wearing safety equipment, said Prince William police.
People express sadness, condolences over the death
Several law enforcement officers and elected officials expressed their condolences for Silva’s passing.
“On behalf of the Prince William County Police Department, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased athlete, Carlos Silva. Our thoughts and prayers are with the other injured athletes, fellow team mates, and the public safety family throughout the world,” said acting Prince William County Police Chief, Major Steve Thompson.
In a joint statement, Fairfax chairman Sharon Bulova, Fairfax police chief Ed Roessler, Fairfax fire chief Richard Bowers, Fairfax sheriff Stacey Kincaid, World Police and Fire Games president Michael Graham and others expressed their condolences.
“We are deeply saddened that an athlete participating in the World Police & Fire Games passed away today at the cycling event in Prince William County. Two other athletes are severely injured. Please join us as we keep these athletes, their families and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic and challenging time,” said an issued statement from the group.
Potomac Local has reached out to officials from the World Police and Fire Games on how Silva’s passing has impacted the games, the mood of the Game’s athletes and what they will do to honor him, but they have not returned request for comment.
