Alan Vera, a prominent figure in USA Wrestling’s Greco-Roman national team, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 33. Vera, who narrowly missed representing the U.S. in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, suffered a cardiac arrest while playing soccer with friends in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 29, 2024. After weeks in the hospital battling complications, an unexpected infection claimed his life over the weekend.
Vera, a Cuban-born wrestler who had represented both Cuba and the United States throughout his career, was known for his exceptional talent on the mat and his warm, uplifting personality off it. His death has left the wrestling community in mourning as tributes pour in for a man who made a significant impact as a competitor and a person.
Rich Bender, the executive director of USA Wrestling, expressed his grief by saying, “Our hearts have been broken. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena(wife), Alina(newborn child), and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan. The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world.”
The wrestling community has rallied around the family, with a GoFundMe page established to help cover costs incurred by Vera’s family during this difficult time. The fundraiser had garnered over $51,000.
Vera’s athletic career began in Cuba, where he won four Cuban national championships and a Pan American title in 2016. After immigrating to the United States, Vera pursued U.S. citizenship, becoming eligible to represent Team USA in international competitions. He competed in the 2021 and 2022 Senior World Championships and earned a spot on the U.S. Greco-Roman national team for four consecutive years.
Although Vera was a top contender, finishing second in the Olympic trials earlier this year to Josef Rau, he continued to inspire his peers with his dedication and passion for the sport. His powerful wrestling style, marked by high-amplitude throws and strategic grappling, earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting competitors in Greco-Roman wrestling.
In addition to his remarkable athletic achievements, Vera will be fondly remembered for his kindness and generosity. His coach, Herb House, who worked closely with him since 2016, often witnessed Vera’s selflessness and leadership firsthand. Vera consistently stepped up to help others, always ready to support anyone in need. House reflected on how Vera’s unwavering dedication and generosity had left a profound and lasting impact on him, describing Vera as not just a talented athlete but a true role model both on and off the mat.
Vera is survived by his wife, Elena Pirozhkova, a two-time U.S. Olympian, and their newborn daughter, Alina.
