German para-athlete Karl Quade has died

German para-athlete Karl Quade has died at the age of 71, the National Paralympic Committee Germany (DSB) said in a statement on Sunday, citing the family.

Quade died on Friday and the cause of death was not disclosed. During his career, he won standing volleyball gold at the 1988 Paralympics.

"With his passing, we have lost a passionate driving force and a committed supporter of the Paralympic spirit. We will preserve his legacy with great gratitude and continue on the path he paved," said DBS president Hans-Jörg Michels about Quade, who was also known as "Mr Paralympics."

After his active career, Quade remained closely connected to competitive sports.

In 1996, at the Atlanta Games, he took on the role of Chef de Mission for the German team for the first time. He also served as DSB vice president for more than 30 years.