The 57-year-old died in hospital after suffering head injuries in a cycling accident on Sunday (April 12).

Mergenthaler had been in a coma for two days following the accident in Valle de Bravo.

Mergenthaler claimed three medals at the Finn World Championships during his career, including winning gold at the 1992 event held at Cadiz in Spain.

He had also won silver in 1989 and bronze in 1990.

Mergenthaler also represented Mexico at three Olympic Games, placing 18th on his debut at Los Angeles 1984.

The Mexican finished 13th at Seoul 1988, before ending 19th at Barcelona 1992.

“The Mexican Olympic family mourns the death of the sailor Eric Mergenthaler, world champion in Cádiz, Spain in finn class,” the Mexican Olympic Committee tweeted.

“He participated in the Olympic Games of Los Angeles 84, Seoul 88 and Barcelona 92.

“We join the grief that his family is facing.”

Panam Sports secretary general Ivar Sisniega, who competed in modern pentathlon at Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988, described Mergenthaler as a “great human”.

“I was saddened to learn of the death of my Olympic partner from Los Angeles 84 and Seoul 88, Eric Mergenthaler,” Sisniega tweeted.

“Eric was a world sailing champion, but above all he was a great human being.

“My deepest condolences to his family.”