Vigor Bovolenta Dead: Italian Volleyball Player Dies After On-Court Heart Attack At Age 37

MACERATA, Italy -- The Italian volleyball federation says 1996 Olympic silver medalist Vigor Bovolenta has died after he was stricken with a heart attack while playing a match. He was 37.

Attempts to resuscitate failed following his collapse on the court Saturday during a second-tier league game between his Volley Forli team and Lube Macerata. Bovolenta had reportedly complained teammates of feeling faint during the match.

Federation President Carlo Magri said Sunday that Bovolenta was an "exceptional guy" and his death is a "very great loss."

Bovolenta was instrumental in helping Italy win the silver medal at the Atlanta Olympics. He also played on the team that won the 1995 European championship and finished runner-up in 2001.