United States bobsledder Pavle Jovanovic, who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics, took his own life earlier this month, the USA Bobsled & Skeleton organization said.
He was 43.
USA Bobsled & Skeleton announced Saturday that Jovanovic died on May 3.
His death was described as a “tragic loss” by the organization’s CEO, Aron McGuire, who was a former teammate of Jovanovic.
“Pavle’s passion and commitment towards bobsled was seen and felt by his teammates, coaches, competitors, and fans of the sport,” McGuire said in a statement. “He lived life to the fullest and had a lasting influence on all those who had the opportunity to spend time with him.”
Jovanovic, who hailed from Toms River, N.J., competed with Todd Hays for Team USA at the 2006 Olympics, placing seventh in the two-man and four-man competitions. The Olympics were held in Turin, Italy, that year.
Jovanovic earned a bronze medal in the four-man event at the 2004 world championships. The bobsledder later began competing for Serbia on the world cup circuit in 2011.
McGuire remembered Jovanovic as a competitor who always gave “100% on everything that he focused on.”
“Pavle’s impact on each of us will be remembered and celebrated,” McGuire said.
Three-time Olympian Steve Mesler, who also competed in the 2006 Games and won a gold medal for Team USA in 2010, wrote on Facebook that Jovanovic was his “personal legend” and “the athlete that set the standard for focus, dedication, meticulousness, and drive.”
