Olympian and judo champion Maricet Espinosa González has died at the age of 34, the Pan American Judo Confederation confirmed on Instagram on Jan. 22.
Her cause of death has not been confirmed as of Thursday.
González, who represented Cuba in the 2016 Olympic Games, suffered a heart attack, according to TMZ, which reported that she underwent surgery a few days prior — but it is unclear if that was related.
The report did not provide further details.
“It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to a legend of Pan-American and Cuban Judo,” the Pan American Judo Confederation shared in a post on Instagram in Spanish, via Google translate. “Maricet Espinosa, affectionately known as ‘La Mole’, leaves an indelible legacy.
“Two-time Pan American Champion, World Medalist and Olympic Representative in Rio 2016. Rest in peace, dear Maricet. Our condolences to her family and Cuban judo. Your spirit and your achievements will always endure.”
The Cuban Sports University also posted about González’s death.
“It is with great pain that the Cuban university sports community receives the news of the death of the outstanding Cuban judoka Maricet Espinosa González,” the school wrote in a Facebook post, via Google Translate, before noting the athlete’s accomplishments.
“On behalf of our teachers, workers and students, our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and colleagues.”
González was the Pan American Judo Champion in 2013 and 2014, and won silver at the 2016 competition, according to Inside Judo.