Costa Rican road racer Tyrone Gael Chavez Zamora, 19, was shot dead at his family home in Esparza during the early hours of Sunday 04 October 2026, according to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
The OIJ says the attack happened at about 00:11 in the Espíritu Santo district of Esparza, Puntarenas province. Investigators say several men who appeared to have followed Chavez entered the house moments after he arrived and fired multiple shots before fleeing. Red Cross responders, alerted at 00:13, found him without vital signs.
No motive has been established, and no arrests have been announced. Detectives are searching for security camera footage that may show the suspects and their escape route.
Chavez was born on 09 June 2007 and started racing as a junior for C5 Academy in 2023. His race results included 11th place in the junior Costa Rican national road championships in 2024 and 9th place in 2025. Costa Rican newspaper La Teja reports that he was well known throughout the community for his enthusiasm for cycling.
His father, Johnny Chavez, paid tribute on Facebook, calling his son “my champion” and writing that the loss had shattered him.
Gran Fondo Daily News extends its condolences to his family, friends and the Costa Rican cycling community.
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