An impromptu memorial for Inspector Carlos Silva was set up by the Mercury Fountain at Reston Town Center. A competitor in the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games, Silva died in bike crash. Photo by Ryan Dunn.
A competitor in the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games Investigator Carlos Silva of Brazil was killed and two other bicyclists were seriously injured Thursday, July 2 after a front tire blowout caused a chain reaction crash at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Va. Two other riders remain in serious condition. One was identified as National Park Service ranger Ryan Levins. Levins worked as a ranger at Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry. The other is a man from Canada. Both of the injured riders were listed in critical condition at Inova Fairfax Hospital. “This has been a horrible loss, we will do everything we can to support our injured colleagues,” Fairfax Police Chief Ed Roessler said in a Thursday night news conference.
Police say the bicyclists were all wearing proper safety equipment at the time of the crash. "He loved to be here. He loved to train and most of all, he loved his career, and his daughter," Alexandre Manzan, a colleague of Silva's said. Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. a Catholic memorial service and vigil was held at Reston Town Center Pavilion for Carlos Silva who traveled to the United States to compete in the games.
FIFTY-EIGHT RIDERS were in the contest, race officials said, and Silva, 48, was behind the leading cyclists but at the front of the middle group. The crash occurred on the second lap of a seven-mile paved loop. Witnesses told police the tire blowout could be heard by competitors and spectators. After the crash, emergency medical personnel from Prince William and Fairfax counties were at the scene to render aid. The cyclists were taken to the hospital, and Silva died from his injuries about 5 p.m. One of the critically injured riders underwent surgery Thursday evening.
Ahead of the vigil, a moment of silence was held at WPFG events. Brazilians stood with flags as Silva was honored posthumously with a gold medal. At the memorial service, co-workers shared some words about Silva. “He was a perfect man, a perfect father, co-worker, best friend and a human being that I can't explain with words,” said Alexandre Manzan, one of Silva’s teammates.
At the Friday vigil, the Brazilian national anthem played and a Catholic priest led a service, where Silva's family members and teammates embraced one another. “Carlos choose to spend his life being a servant of the people,” said Father Bill Korpi, Chaplin with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Korpi spent most of Friday preparing for the vigil.
The Northern Virginia Emerald Society Pipe Band, which performed at the opening ceremony and closing ceremony for the games, performed at the vigil to honor Investigator Silva. An impromptu memorial for Silva was set up by the Mercury Fountain at Reston Town Center. “The county was able to show how grateful they are to first responders and how we as community shared in their sorrow and grief,” said Barry Biggar, president and CEO of Visit Fairfax.
“Our condolences go to his family, friends and team,” said president of the World Police and Fire Games Federation, Michael Graham. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and supervisors John Foust (D-Dranesville) and Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) attended the vigil and offered sympathy for the departed. “He died for his community and the people he loved. Fairfax County will never forget Carlos,” said Bulova.
RESTON TOWN CENTER was the central location for World Police & Fire Games athletes when they arrived, and Reston Town Center hosted the Athletes Village. “It was a beautiful vigil,” said Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, who attended the event with Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard Bowers Jr.