Ex-Formula One driver turned Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies aged 59

Zanardi, who lost his legs in a racing crash, was credited with helping transform the perception of disability in Italy.Alex Zanardi, the Italian Formula One driver who became a Paralympic cycling champion after losing both legs in an accident, has died aged 59, his family announced.Zanardi, one of his country’s most loved and respected sportsmen, who was credited with helping transform the perception of disability in Italy, died on Friday evening.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4United host Liverpool as battle for Champions League places heats uplist 2 of 4Pistons and Raptors survive while LA Lakers progress in NBA playoffslist 3 of 4Barcelona in sight of La Liga title a week before El Clasico with Reallist 4 of 4Cricket club bans social media comments to protect players’ mental healthend of listIn a statement issued on Saturday through the charity he founded, Obiettivo3, his family said he died “suddenly”, but also “peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends”.“The family would like to express ⁠their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and ⁠asks that their grief and privacy be ⁠respected during this period of mourning.”Zanardi’s death comes six years after