Four-time world champion wrestler Besik Kudukhov of Russia died Sunday morning after injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 27.
"The tragedy occurred on the federal highway near Armavir as the wrestler was travelling from Vladikavkaz to Krasnodar," the Russian Wrestling Federation said in a statement, adding that Kudukhov's car collided with a truck.
"Besik's death is a huge loss for world sport, not only for Russian sport," Russian freestyle wrestling coach Magomed Huseynov told local media.
Kudukhov was due to be one of the torchbearers on the Sochi Winter Olympics torch relay in Krasnodar on February 4, three days before the opening ceremony.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and 2012 Olympic silver medalist was considered by many wrestling experts to be the best wrestler in the world in 2011-2012. Explosive and creative on the mat, Kudukhov’s passion for competition and the sport of wrestling was always on display.  "It's a sad day for the sport and for the world," said FILA President Nenad Lalovic.  " Besik Kudukhov was a champion in life.  We will miss him and the difference he made to all of us."Kudakhov was the world junior champion in 2006 and won senior titles in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.