BREAKING!Georgian Luger dies in Olympics practice crash

(CNN) -- A luge slider from Georgia was killed Friday when he crashed during an Olympic training session hours before the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Georgian Embassy said.

Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21, was in the final run of official training when he had a "serious crash" and was propelled off the track, according to the International Olympic Committee. Doctors were unable to revive him, the IOC said.

"Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete," IOC President Jacques Rogge said in a written statement. "The whole Olympic family is struck by this tragedy, which clearly casts a shadow over these Games."

Kumaritashvili was scheduled to compete in the men's singles luge event, which begins Saturday.

GRAPHIC LUGE CRASH VIDEO HERE! GRAPHIC LUGE CRASH VIDEO HERE!