The family of the late the late Frank Vandenbroucke have decided not to have further toxicological studies done on his body to determine whether drugs or toxic substances were in his system at the time of death.
“We take peace with the results of the autopsy that was conducted in Senegal,” his mother Chantal Vanruymbeke told nieuwsblad.be.
If a study were to be done, payment for the examination would be the responsibility of his family.
“The prosecutor in Dakar briefed us personally. That is enough for us. I don’t know what effect such an investigation would have, and we will have to pay the costs. To know what?
“If he was injured, then we would have sold our house if necessary to get Frank back to health. Such research will not bring Frank back. So we will not do it,” explained his grieving mother.
It seems like Vandenbroucke’s constant bout with depression was his biggest enemy in the end. Earlier this year Vandenbroucke cleared the slate with his admission to doping, and earned himself a new found respect for his latest comeback effort.
Three tragic deaths in the sport this fall should prompt questions on whether or not more can be done within professional cycling to help riders better cope with personal issues.
His mother’s wishes, she added, “We want Frank to rest in peace.”
RIP VDB.