Former Brazilian volleyball player Walewska Oliveira died at 43.
Oliveira played with the Brazilian women’s volleyball team for three consecutive Olympics, winning a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing games.
She also won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Oliveira died in San Paulo and her cause of death is reportedly unknown.
However, it’s currently being investigated as a potential suicide.
Olympic volleyball champion Walewska Oliveira dies suddenly aged 43 https://t.co/gerTVmx5wY
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) September 22, 2023
According to local media reports, Oliveira died after falling from the 17th floor of the building where she lived.
“Complementing the information given above, former volleyball player and Olympic champion Walewska Oliveira died in São Paulo after falling from the 17th floor of the building where she lived. The civil police are investigating the causes and have not yet reached any conclusion,” a translated X post from Rede Marco read.
Complementando a informação dada antes, a ex-jogadora de vôlei e campeã olímpica Walewska Oliveira morreu em São Paulo após cair do 17° andar do prédio onde morava.
A polícia civil está investigando as causas e ainda não chegou à nenhuma conclusão. pic.twitter.com/PG73FARCjV— Rede Marco (@rede_marco) September 22, 2023
Daily Mail reports:
Following the tragic news, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) said: ‘With sadness and immense regret, the CBV received the news of the death of Olympic champion Walewska on Thursday night.
‘At this difficult time, CBV sympathizes with the family and friends of this great player.’
CBV president Radames Lattari added: ‘Walewska was a special player, her career in the sport will forever be remembered and revered. At this difficult time, CBV sympathises with the family and friends of this great player.’
Oliveira retired from the sport in 2022 and when announcing her decision, she said : ‘My career was beautiful. I have a lot to thank everyone, Praia Clube for ending my career here, for participating in this group.
‘I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.’
Oliveira represented 11 clubs in her career which included spells in Italy, Spain and Russia along with her homeland.
BREAKING: Sad day for the volleyball community as one of its brightest stars has passed away. Walewska Oliveira, a former Brazilian National Volleyball Team player, tragically passed away at the age of 43.
Throughout her career, Walewska achieved remarkable success, including… pic.twitter.com/XRUksOjmZq
— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) September 22, 2023
Translated from Brazilian newspaper O Tempo:
Former volleyball player Walewska was drinking wine in the leisure area of the building where she lived, shortly before she passed away, on Thursday (21) . Her death is being investigated as suspicious by the Civil Police. According to the Police Report, to which the reporter had access, she also left a letter.
“In the leisure area, on a table, there was a bottle of wine with a glass, both with half-full wine, as well as a cell phone and a folder with a bond sheet, where a letter was made that was apparently from the victim as a farewell. “, says an excerpt from the document.
The death of the former player shook the volleyball world. Minas Gerais clubs, former and current athletes paid condolences to Walewska’s family. The women’s volleyball team, which took to the court in the early hours of this Friday against Turkey, in the pre-Olympic tournament, also paid tribute to Waleska .
The players entered the court hand in hand and displayed ribbons and bands on their arms in reference to the former national team player. There was a minute of silence before the start of the game.