Alberto Menegatti has died at the age of 29. The race windsurfing specialist would turn 30 on April 5th, 2015.
The pro windsurfer's body was found by friends in his flat, in Tenerife. They started getting worried when Menegatti failed his daily exercises routines at the beach.
Alberto's body was found lying on the bed in the same position in which he had fallen asleep the night before, without any signs of violence. The 2013 PWA Slalom Windsurfing vice champion may have died in his sleep due to sudden illness.
"Alberto has left us. He has left us and a big empty space to us his friends, to us his team, to us who windsurfed with you. Windsurfing has lost a world talent, an uprising champion. Italy has lost one of his hero’s," wrote Alberto Menegatti's sponsor Point-7.
"We had the same dream to be on the PWA podium, and together we had managed to reach that goal. He made us cry for his first victory, he made us dream, he gave us emotions that a real champion can give. He made us proud to be Point-7, he gave us reasons to dream further, he motivated us to do better."
Alberto Menegatti was preparing himself for a big return to professional competition after deciding last July to stop and treat some physical problems. Sunday, after a water training session, he greeted his teammates and went home to rest.
Alberto Menegatti started windsurfing at Circolo Surf Torbole when he was only 13 years old. Five years later, the Italian won the Youth Worlds and European Championship and decided to turn pro.
The autopsy will determine the exact cause of death. Menegatti's body will return to his homeland in Torbole, Italy, where his friends and family will pay a last homage to the young windsurfer.