Russian freestyle wrestler Besik Kudukhov has died at the age of 27 following a car accident on Sunday.

"The tragedy occurred on the federal highway near Armavir as the wrestler was traveling from Vladikavkaz to Krasnodar," the Russian wrestling federation said in a statement, adding that Kudukhov's car collided with a truck.

Kudukhov was one of the most successful Russian wrestlers in recent years, winning four world titles and two Olympic medals - a bronze at the 2008 Games in Beijing and a silver at the 2012 Games in London. He also won one European championship title.

AFP - Global Times