Former world champion shooter and police officer Jorge Ballesteros was allegedly found in with a gunshot wound in his car in Madrid and died in hospital soon after.
The 39-year-old—who also worked as a police officer in his hometown—was discovered in his parked car at the La Vaguada shopping centre in Madrid on Monday before being transferred to La Paz University Hospital, reports ABC.
However, he was pronounced dead the following day, leading to an outpouring of tributes to the late star.
A statement from one of Ballesteros’ former sponsors, the Double-Alpha Academy, confirmed: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and IPSC World Champion, Jorge Ballesteros.
‘Jorge, who was just 39 years old, passed away unexpectedly. Jorge was not only a gifted competitor but a true sportsman and friend to all who knew him.
‘His passion for the sport of IPSC was matched only by his dedication to honing his craft and mentoring others.’
Ballesteros was a Basque native born in San Sebastian, though he moved to Madrid at the age of six and spent much of his life in Spain’s capital.
His official website detailed that he ‘dreamed of becoming a professional shooter’ as a child and took his first steps in the sport at 16 with his father’s blessing.
It took only two years for Ballesteros to claim the title of Spain’s overall champion in the Open category, becoming the youngest athlete ever to do so.
He later went on to win three Open golds at the European Handgun Championships (2013, ’16, ’19) and realised his dream of becoming IPSC world champion in 2017.
Miguel Frances, president of the Spanish Shooting Federation, hailed Ballesteros as ‘an exceptional human being’ and ‘great athlete.’
Itzik Ellenbogen, the regional director of IPSC Israel, hailed the shooting icon as ‘a remarkable example of a top sportsman and a perfect gentleman.’
In addition to his world title, the 39-year-old triumphed at the 2013 and 2016 European Handgun Championships.
He won 12 Spanish Handgun Championships as well, second only to Eduardo de Cobos’ 15 titles.
Ballesteros became the youngest to ever win the Open Absolute Champion of Spain at just 18, and is remembered by his wife and two children.
Outside of his shooting career, Ballesteros worked as a national police officer in his community.
