The Samoan sporting group has suffered a tragic loss at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Lionel Fatu Elika, the nation’s nationwide boxing coach, died within the athletes? Olympic Village July 26, the primary day of the Games. He was 60 years previous.

The coach, who was working with Samoa’s lone 2024 Olympic boxer, heavyweight Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, died hours earlier than that night’s Opening Ceremony.

“Elika passed away this morning, local Paris time, in the Games Village,” the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee stated in a press release, including that officers met with Samoa’s delegation?made up of 24 athletes?”to reassure them ahead of the Opening Ceremony today and competitions over the next two weeks.”

The International Olympic Committee stated in a press release July 27 that Lionel died of pure causes and expressed ?its condolences to the whole Samoan NOC, his household and mates,” the Associated Press reported.

Following information of the demise of Lionel, also called Lionel Elika Fatupaito, Ato shared a tribute to his coach.