Las Vegas officials are currently investigating the death of a prominent South American Olympian who is believed to have died from choking.

Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a celebrated cyclist from Venezuela, was found lifeless in her home on August 16, according to local authorities.

The Clark County Coroner Medical Examiner’s office has stated to YSL News that an autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson from the coroner’s office, confirmed that Chirinos was declared dead on August 15.

Spanish news outlet ABC reported that Chirinos, who was employed at a Las Vegas hotel, was reported missing by her colleagues when she did not show up for work on August 12.

While the exact cause of death remains unknown, a report from Fox Sports indicates that the Las Vegas Police Department informed the media that she died from asphyxiation due to food obstructing her airway.

YSL News is in contact with the police for further information.

Venezuela Olympic Committee: ‘May she rest in peace’

On August 16, the Venezuela Olympic Committee shared a tribute to Chirinos on X platform.

“With her remarkable achievements in track cycling, she represented us with honor at five Olympic Games, won four Olympic medals, and her successes brought us immense pride,” the committee stated in their social media post.

The accompanying photo shows the Olympian with her eyes closed, displaying a medal as a national flag is draped around her.

A caption within the tribute read, “May she rest in peace.”

Who was Daniela Larreal Chirinos?

Chirinos was one of the most recognized athletes in Venezuela, with her last Olympic appearance being at the 2012 Summer Games in London.

She was known for her opposition to the controversial President Nicolás Maduro, and reports indicate that at the time of her passing, she was living in exile due to her opposition to the government.

Last month, Venezuelan authorities declared that Maduro had won the presidential election in the country. However, reports from the Associated Press state that officials have yet to release the voting results, raising concerns about the validity of the election.

The ongoing socioeconomic crisis and political unrest in Venezuela have led to widespread protests. Maduro took over from the former president, Hugo Chávez, who passed away from cancer in 2013, and has continued the “Bolivarian revolution,” which has undermined the nation’s democratic governance.

Contributing: Isabel C. Morales