A luger's death put a somber tone on the Olympics heading into tonight's opening ceremonies.
This after a luger from the nation of Georgia fatally crashed during a training run on the high-speed track.
IOC president Jacques Rogge said the death "clearly casts a shadow over these Games."
"The IOC is in deep mourning,'' said Rogge, who appeared choked up. "He lost his life pursuing his passion. I have no words to say what we feel.''
Kumaritashvili lost control of his sled, went over the track wall and struck an unpadded steel pole near the finish line.
Rescue workers tried chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation within a minute after the crash, and Kumaritashvili was quickly airlifted to a trauma center in Whistler.
But they were unable to help and the 21-year-old died in hospital.
The first sign the luger was truly in trouble came just three seconds before the crash on Curve 13, the most perilous turn. He was going nearly 90 mph at the time.
You can view a few photos from the moments of the crash below:
A luger's death put a somber tone on the Olympics heading into tonight's opening ceremonies.
