MONTREAL, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Frederic Donze has passed away suddenly, WADA said on Wednesday.
WADA mourned the passing of its COO, saying Donze "died suddenly today, following a short illness" in Montreal, Canada at the age of 50.
WADA President Witold Banka said: "This is an incredibly sad time for everyone who knew Frederic Donze. I am certain that the global anti-doping community joins WADA in conveying our most sincere condolences to Fred's family at this tragic time. Fred was an integral part of the Agency. His knowledge of all aspects of anti-doping and sport in general, coupled with his passion and drive to deliver real results for athletes, will leave a massive gap in our organization. Beyond his contribution to anti-doping, it is his humanity, sense of humor and gregarious nature that we will all miss most."
WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli, said: "For 20 years, Fred was key to the life and soul of WADA. His tremendous work ethic, intelligence and authenticity made him an inspiration to his colleagues and a source of great confidence for athletes and everyone involved in anti-doping around the world. His passing is a devastating blow to all of us who had the great fortune to know him, work alongside him and call him our friend."
Donze joined WADA in 2002 in the role of Media Relations and Communications Manager. In 2011, he became Director of WADA's Europe Office and International Federation Relations, in Lausanne, before being appointed COO in 2016. ■