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WHISTLER, Canada — Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili suffered a life-threatening crash after flying off the Olympic track on Friday and smashing into a metal column.

The 21-year-old, who was knocked unconscious, was immediately placed on a stretcher with blood pouring from his face before he was taken away in an ambulance.

An air ambulance called to the track which is regarded as one of the fastest in the sport.

"Georgian slider Nodar Kumaritashvili has had a serious crash in the final run of official training for the men's singles on Friday," said an official statement.

"The 21-year-old fell out of the track when he crashed. He was treated onsite by medical staff who administered CPR and was then taken away in an ambulance."

It is understood that Kumaritashvili suffered the crash during his second training run at one of the fastest points near the bottom of the track on the final 270-degree turn.

He crashed into both sides of the wall before being hurled over the top.

Witnesses said Kumaritashvili then hit a metal pole on the side of the track after he flew over the wall.



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MSNBC is now reporting that Nodar Kumaritashvili has died from his injuries.