American wrestler Alan Berra died earlier this week after suffering cardiac arrest while playing football with friends over the summer, the United States Wrestling Association announced.
He was 33 years old.
“Our hearts are broken,” USA Wrestling executive director Rich Bender said in a statement. “Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and Alan's entire family and those who knew Alan. The wrestling community is mourning the loss of a great champion who lived a remarkable life and touched so many lives both within and outside of USA Wrestling.”
According to a post from Bella's club soccer team, New Jersey Wolves FC, the wrestler went into cardiac arrest while playing soccer with a group of friends in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 29.
New Jersey Wolves Football Club paid tribute to Vela on Instagram, saying his “spirit on and off the field was an inspiration to us all” and that “his kindness will forever resonate in our hearts.”
Vera had been in hospital since the incident but developed an unexpected infection over the weekend and passed away at around 8pm on Monday. According to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family:.
“His passing brings comfort knowing he is no longer suffering, but the emptiness he leaves behind is immeasurable,” the page read in part.
Bella was a talented wrestler and member of the national Greco-Roman wrestling team, but narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
He is survived by his wife, two-time Olympic wrestler Elena Pirozhkova, and their young daughter Alina.
Vera was born in Cuba and competed for the Cuban national team, winning a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and a gold medal the following year at the 2016 Pan American Championships.
He then moved to the United States in 2016, where he continued competing and obtained U.S. citizenship, eventually becoming eligible to compete for the U.S. team.
Bella continued his illustrious career under the red, white and blue uniform, competing for the United States at the 2021 and 2022 World Championships.
He also won a silver medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships after winning a bronze medal the previous year.
He placed second at the Olympic team trials in State College, Pennsylvania, earlier this year.
