Slovak Olympic Archer Denisa Hurbana Barankova Dies at 24 in Tragic Car Accident

The Slovak Archery Federation announced on Monday the tragic death of Denisa Hurbana Barankova. The 24-year-old two-time Olympian died in a traffic accident that occurred on Sunday evening in Bratislava's Petržalka district.

According to police, the accident was caused by a 42-year-old driver who, while driving through a parking lot near an apartment building, failed to pay attention and hit a parked car. He then drove onto the lawn, where he struck two people, including the athlete. After the collision, the car continued, hit a tree, and overturned.

Local media report that the circumstances were more complex. During a strong storm, a tree had fallen on a parked car. After firefighters removed it, the driver was asked to move his vehicle, but it suddenly started rolling backward uncontrollably at high speed, hitting people.

The athlete was taken to the University Hospital in Bratislava in critical condition, unconscious and with multiple severe injuries. Despite medical efforts, she could not be saved. The 11-year-old girl was admitted to the National Institute of Children's Diseases with chest and head injuries and a femur fracture. The driver was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment. He tested negative for alcohol. Police have launched a criminal investigation.

Hurbana Barankova was one of Slovakia's most prominent archers. She represented her country at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics. In 2021, she won bronze at the European Championships in Olympic archery, giving Slovakia its first medal in the sport. In 2025, she became World Games champion in field archery. The Slovak Archery Federation expressed condolences to her husband, family, and friends.