"With hearts full of sadness and immense pain, we announce that Romanian sport has lost an accomplished professional. Mr. Florian Ticu, secretary general of the Romanian Federation of Bob and Sled, will remain in our hearts forever as an excellent organizer, a good manager, a man with a big heart who has dedicated all his activity to the development of sleigh, bob and skeleton in Romania," the national governing body wrote on its Facebook page.

"May God rest him in peace!"

Ticu was 65-years-old.

Among those to send their condolences were International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation President Ivo Ferriani and International Luge Federation President Einars Fogelis.

"I express my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family, friends and athletes on the much too early passing of our sports friend Florian Ticu," Fogelis said.

"May he rest in peace and may his great legacy continue in Romania!"