Alex Zanardi, inspirational auto racing champion-turned-Paralympian, dies at 59

Alex Zanardi, the Italian auto racing champion-turned-Paralympic gold medalist whose career was marked by two life-altering accidents, has died. He was 59. Zanardi’s family announced his death on Saturday (May 2, 2026), saying that he passed away on Friday (May 1) night.

“Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him,” the family said in a statement without providing a cause of death.