Newz Forum: OTHER: CYCLING: Cocaine overdose killed Pantani

AP News
Marco Pantani died in February after taking huge quantities of coc aine, the doctor who carried out the autopsy on the troubled cyclist confirmed today.

"In the final period of his life he had grave psychological problems derived from a massive consumption of coc aine," Giuseppe Fortuni wrote in his report for state prosecutor Paolo Gengarelli, legal sources revealed.

"Very large quantities (of coc aine) were found in his system – he died from an overdose," added Fortuni.

The doctor's diagnosis rules out the possibility that the 1998 Tour de France winner had taken his own life.

"In such conditions suicide is absolutely unimaginable," said Fortuni.

The 34-year-old known as the "Pirate" for his habit of wearing bandanas and sporting a gold earring was found dead in a room at The Roses hotel in this Adriatic coastal resort on February 14.

Fortuni's autopsy revealed the cyclist died after suffering a heart attack caused by severe swelling of the heart and brain.

As well as the Tour de France, Pantani also won two editions of the Tour of Italy.

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[Edited on 28/7/04 by TRD]