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NJ Wrestler Alan Vera Garcia, 33, Dies Weeks After Going Into Cardiac Arrest Playing Soccer

Alan Vera Garcia, a professional New Jersey wrestler, died on Monday, Sept. 23, weeks after going into cardiac arrest while playing soccer, according to multiple news reports. He was 33 years old.

Alan Vera Garcia with his wife, Elena Pirozhkova, and their baby girl, Alina.

Alan Vera Garcia with his wife, Elena Pirozhkova, and their baby girl, Alina.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe photo

Garcia, of Guttenberg, was born in Cuba and the first Cuban wrestler to win a national championship in the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling, his obituary on the Barquin Funeral Home site reads. 

His obituary includes a comprehensive list of Garcia's accomplishments as a wrestler, most recently having been a runner up for team USA at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.

Garcia and his wife, Elena Pirozhkov, welcomed a baby girl, Alina, approximately three months ago.

A GoFundMe launched to support Elena and the baby had raised more than $57,000 as of press time.

"Alan, a dedicated athlete and a loving father, has always put his family first," the campaign reads. "It is now our duty as friends and community members to rally behind them and provide the care and support they need."

Garcia's obituary says he died at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark.

Click here for Alan Vera Garcia's complete obituary and here to donate to his family.

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