Former Olympic silver medallist Vigor Bovolenta has died after suffering a heart attack during an Italian fourth-tier match.
Bovolenta, who was to turn 38 in May, collapsed on the court during Volley Forli's visit to Lube Macerata on Saturday.
He complained of dizziness and chest pains, reportedly telling team-mates: "Please help me, I'm falling."
Attempts by medics to resuscitate Bovolenta failed and he was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
Bovolenta, father of four children, was part of the Italy team that won silver at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Netherlands in the final.
Towering at 2.02 metres high, Bovolenta was instrumental in helping Italy win the 1995 European championship in Greece and the silver at Euro 2001.
Heart problems in sport have come into focus of late after Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match last weekend. He has made a remarkable recovery and is now in intensive care.
Kilmarnock's Scottish League Cup final triumph last weekend was also marred by the father of midfielder Liam Kelly suffering a suspected heart attack in the stand and dying.
Reuters.
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