Police and Fire Games pause to honor cyclist

Candles, flowers, notes and patches were left for Inspector Silva, who died from injuries suffered during the World Police and Fire Games. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Candles, flowers, notes and patches were left for Inspector Silva, who died from injuries suffered during the World Police and Fire Games. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Four teams walk out to meet between fields prior to their matches to observe the moment of silence. (WTOP/Max Smith)
Four teams walk out to meet between fields prior to their matches to observe the moment of silence. (WTOP/Max Smith)
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Candles, flowers, notes and patches were left for Inspector Silva, who died from injuries suffered during the World Police and Fire Games. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Four teams walk out to meet between fields prior to their matches to observe the moment of silence. (WTOP/Max Smith)

WASHINGTON — The World Police and Fire Games held moments of silence before a number of final medal events Friday in honor of the Brazilian cyclist who died Thursday afternoon after crashing during the competition.

At the soccer medal matches Friday, organizers asked teams, officials and spectators to observe the moment of silence before each match.

While first responders often see each other as brothers and sisters, the Brazilian teams at Morven Park appeared especially moved by the death of 48-year-old police officer Carlos Silva.

He died after a three-rider crash in the downhill section of the cycling course in Prince William Forest Park. Prince William County Police say one of the three riders had a front-tire blowout.

On Friday night, a vigil was held at the Athletes Village, at the Reston Town Center.

There were candles, flowers and prayers; “Amazing Grace” and the Brazilian national anthem were sung. “I’ll take you home,” one of Silva’s Brazilian teammates promised him.

The other two riders are in critical condition.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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