(6-4-09) An article published in the June 4, 2009 edition of Bend, Oregon's newspaper, The Bulletin, reveals that it was, in fact, a heart attack that took the life of endurance sports legend Steve Larsen on May 19, 2009. Deschutes County medical examiner Steve Cross released the news Wednesday evening citing that Larsen had atherosclerosis (coronary heart disease) which caused the heart attack.
"Unfortunately, sometimes the first indication of heart disease is sudden death," Cross told The Bulletin.
An autopsy was performed in the days following Larsen's passing, but questions loomed about the circumstances surrounding the death, and his heart was sent to the Midwest for further tests.
Larsen is survived by his wife Carrie and five children. The Steve Larsen Memorial Fund has been set up to help support the family he left behind. Additionally, Triathlete Magazine will be holding an auction near future to support the cause.
