The Salt Lake City Tribune report that he drowned in a hot tub at his home, though an autopsy is to be carried out to determine the official cause.

"We are shocked and saddened by this tragic news," said the United States Olympic Committee's (USOC) Paralympic chief, Charlie Huebner.

"Matt was a valued Paralympic team member who inspired others and was the epitome of class.

"He was not only passionate about cycling, but also dedicated to teaching, mentoring and giving back to his community.

"He will be greatly missed."

Bradley earned a place on the US Paralympic cycling team for the 2011 US Para-Cycling Road Nationals in Augusta, less than a year after having his lower leg amputated as a result of suffering from a rare form of cancer.

He also went to the 2011 Para-Cycling World Championships in Denmark, and was training for the Paralympics in London this summer.


Outside of his sport, Bradley was an English instructor at the University of Utah and a political activist.

A group cycle was sponsored in his honour spontaneously yesterday by his cycling friends, while University of Utah Honours Dean Sylvia Torti described Bradley's death as "a tragic loss for the university and the students".

His family have requested that donations be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute rather than flowers or other gifts being left in his memory.

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