Spanish shooting icon Jorge Ballesteros has died after he was allegedly found in his car with a gunshot wound to his head.
The 39-year-old—who also worked as a police officer in his hometown—was discovered in his parked car at the La Vaguada shopping centre in Madrid on Monday before being transferred to La Paz University Hospital, reports Spanish publication ABC. However, he was pronounced dead the following day, leading to an outpouring of tributes to the late star.
A statement from one of Ballesteros' former sponsors, the Double-Alpha Academy, confirmed: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and IPSC World Champion, Jorge Ballesteros.
"Jorge, who was just 39 years old, passed away unexpectedly. Jorge was not only a gifted competitor but a true sportsman and friend to all who knew him. His passion for the sport of IPSC was matched only by his dedication to honing his craft and mentoring others."
Ballesteros was a Basque native born in San Sebastian, though he moved to Madrid at the age of six and spent much of his life in Spain's capital. His official website detailed that he "dreamed of becoming a professional shooter" as a child and took his first steps in the sport at 16 with his father's blessing.
As a former junior prospect, it took only two years for Ballesteros to claim the title of Spain's overall champion in the Open category, becoming the youngest athlete ever to do so. He later went on to win three Open golds at the European Handgun Championships (2013, '16, '19) and realised his dream of becoming IPSC world champion in 2017.
Miguel Frances, president of the Spanish Shooting Federation, hailed Ballesteros as "an exceptional human being" and "great athlete." Itzik Ellenbogen, the regional director of IPSC Israel, hailed the shooting icon as "a remarkable example of a top sportsman and a perfect gentleman."
"Jorge Ballesteros, the best Spanish athlete of IPSC in history, passed away at 39 years old, plunging the world of shooting into deep sorrow," read a tribute from the Royal Spanish Olympics Shooting Federation (RFEDETO). "World champion 2017 in Open, he also added three Europeans, six Extreme Europe Opens and 17 Spanish championships."
Fifteen-time Spanish Handgun champion Eduardo do Cobos is the only athlete to have bested Ballesteros' tally of 12. The late officer is survived by his wife and two children, with the official details surrounding his death still to be determined.
