WASHINGTON — The World Police and Fire Games held moments of silence before a number of final medal events Friday in honor of the Brazilian cyclist who died Thursday afternoon after crashing during the competition.
At the soccer medal matches Friday, organizers asked teams, officials and spectators to observe the moment of silence before each match.
While first responders often see each other as brothers and sisters, the Brazilian teams at Morven Park appeared especially moved by the death of 48-year-old police officer Carlos Silva.
He died after a three-rider crash in the downhill section of the cycling course in Prince William Forest Park. Prince William County Police say one of the three riders had a front-tire blowout.
On Friday night, a vigil was held at the Athletes Village, at the Reston Town Center.
There were candles, flowers and prayers; “Amazing Grace” and the Brazilian national anthem were sung. “I’ll take you home,” one of Silva’s Brazilian teammates promised him.
The other two riders are in critical condition.
