In a shocking turn of events, former world skating champion Luz Mery Tristan, aged 60, was found dead in her home in Cali, Colombia this past Saturday
The suspected culprit? Her very own fiancé.
On the fateful day, authorities were called to the residence, only to discover Tristán’s lifeless body. Standing nearby was her fiancé, Andrés Ricci, 58, clutching the alleged murder weapon. Also Ricci did not resist arrest and was immediately taken into custody.
Who is former world skating champion Luz Mery Tristan murdered by fiance Andres Ricci
A virtual hearing conducted the next day saw Ricci confessing to the heinous crime. Presently, he faces one count of aggravated femicide, along with three additional counts which include illegal possession and trafficking of a firearm.
Tremendo, Andrés Gustavo Ricci reconocido uribista y "gente de bien" asesinó a nuestra campeona Luz Mery Tristán con 5 balazos, drogado también le disparó a los policías, tenía 5 armas en su casa… pic.twitter.com/FOq9wb1QKI
— julio Mario Ospina (@juliomario55555) August 7, 2023
Luz Mery’s sporting achievements
Tristán was not just an ordinary citizen. She held the distinct honor of being the first Colombian to secure a victory in the World Road Speed Skating Championship, a feat she achieved in 1990. Also her prowess didn’t stop there. At the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana, she clinched gold in the 5,000-meter event and bagged a bronze in the relay race.
Appeal from the Luz Mery’s family
While the investigation continues, a family member, speaking to El País newspaper, expressed the desire for Tristán to be remembered for her immense contributions to Colombian sports. They said, “I would like her to be remembered for everything she did for sports in Colombia. I ask you to honor her.”
Luz Mery’s connections to a notorious past
It has just come to light that Tristán was formerly married to the notorious Colombian drug boss Joaqun Valencia, which is a news that has shocked many people. After being found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering in 2007, a sentence of forty years in jail was handed down to Valencia, along with an order to forfeit one hundred and ten million dollars.
The unexpected and terrible passing of Luz Mery Tristán has stunned the sporting world, as well as her legion of devoted followers. As the inquiry continues, people all around the world are waiting to find out how justice will be carried out for this remarkable athlete who is also a mother of five children.
ALSO READ: Who is ex-BBC presenter Suzi Mann as she accuses boxer Amir Khan of s*xual harassment