More details have been released about the findings of the autopsy performed on cyclist Frank Vandenbroucke. The medical examiner concluded that the Belgian star died Monday in Saly, Senegal of natural causes from a pulmonary embolism as previously reported.
"To be quite specific: a double lung embolism superimposed on an existing heart condition," explained the Prosecutor of the Thies region leading the investigation, Salobe Ngingie, to Nieuwsblad.be.
"I want to emphasize that there was a heart condition that already existed," said Ngingie. "But what has caused the pulmonary embolism must be clarified with further research. It is possible that the use of alcohol or drugs played a role."
He also clarified that the Senegalese court sees Vandenbroucke as "a drug user. "Indeed, the autopsy also revealed that many were injection wounds in his left arm," explained Ngingie, adding that a syringe, alcohol and medicines were found in
Vandenbroucke's hotel room.
These findings were only made public after the family had been notified. "These people have a right to be informed first," he added.
Vandenbroucke's body was released by Senegalese authorities Thursday and will undergo further examination when it reaches Belgium. The laboratory in Dakar lacked the facilities to perform a thorough toxicology study.