Cycling fans were left heartbroken this past week after 18-year-old Swiss riding star Muriel Furrer was killed in an accident. 

According to BBC Sport, Furrer passed away after crashing in Switzerland on Thursday as she was competing in the world championships.

Race route hit with "torrential rain" prior to accident

Peter van den Abeele serves as sports director of world governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and he addressed Furrer's death at a press conference.

Abeele told reporters that the UCI could not provide significant details concerning her accident as it is now the subject of a public investigation.

"The UCI and the organizing committee are respecting the wish of the family to continue these world championships," Abeele was quoted as saying.

While the exact cause of Furrer's accident remains unclear, BBC Sport noted that the Zurich area had been subject to "torrential rain" as the race played out.

Family asks for privacy

BBC Sport cited a statement released by the UCI which read, "With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her.

"The UCI and the Organising Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships offer their sincere condolences to Muriel Furrer's family, friends and her federation Swiss Cycling," it continued.

The statement concluded by declaring, "Muriel Furrer's family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time."

Meanwhile, the website British Cycling said that its staff "is devastated to learn of the passing of Muriel Furrer," calling her "a devoted young rider with a bright future ahead of her and will be sorely missed by the cycling world."

Olympic official "shocked and devastated" by tragedy

News of Furrer's death brought a wave of tributes on social media, including from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

"When I learned the news about the death of Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, following her tragic accident at the World Championships, I was deeply shocked and devastated," Bach declared.

"When I learned the news about the death of Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, following her tragic accident at the World Championships, I was deeply shocked and devastated. Taken from us in her prime, she was a great talent and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with her family,… pic.twitter.com/gOGfkqr3Ht

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) September 27, 2024

"Taken from us in her prime, she was a great talent and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and her teammates," he added.