Iñaki Gómez-Pol, data protection delegate of the Andalusian Parliament, dies in an accident with his bicycle

Iñaki Gómez-Pol, 48, a data protection delegate for the Andalusian Parliament, was found dead Friday near his bicycle on a road in the Seville suburb of Huévar del Aljarafe. The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation to determine the cause of death, which could be linked to an accident or a medical issue. Authorities have ruled out involvement from another vehicle. The body was discovered along a path close to railway tracks connecting Huévar del Aljarafe and Pilas. According to sources from the Andalusian Parliament, Gómez-Pol was cycling when he left the road under circumstances yet to be determined. The Guardia Civil confirmed they are examining whether the death resulted from an accident or a health-related incident. No signs of foul play have been indicated. Gómez-Pol had served as a data protection officer for both the Andalusian Parliament and the Office of the Defender of the People, as well as the Andalusian Electoral Board. Prior to this role, he worked with Garrigues Abogados, a prominent law firm based in Spain. His professional experience spanned legal consultancy and public administration, focusing on privacy and data governance. Local authorities have not disclosed further details about the exact location of the incident or the time of discovery. The Guardia Civil is conducting forensic analysis to establish the sequence of events leading to the death. Investigators are looking into possible factors such as road conditions, weather, and Gómez-Pol’s physical state prior to the incident. Friends and colleagues described Gómez-Pol as a dedicated professional committed to protecting personal information and ensuring compliance with data laws. He was known for his meticulous approach to regulatory matters and his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. Colleagues expressed shock at the sudden loss, emphasizing his contributions to transparency and accountability in public institutions. The incident has raised concerns among officials about cyclist safety in areas near rail lines, prompting discussions about infrastructure improvements. While no formal statements have been made regarding policy changes, some lawmakers have called for increased attention to road safety measures in similar locations. Authorities continue to investigate all potential causes of the death, including medical conditions that might have contributed to the incident. The results of the ongoing inquiry will provide clarity on whether the death was due to an accident or other unforeseen circumstances. Until then, the focus remains on understanding the full context of the tragedy. Gómez-Pol's family has been informed and is cooperating with investigators. A formal statement from the Andalusian Parliament is pending, though officials have acknowledged the impact of his passing on their operations. His absence leaves a void in the field of data protection, particularly within regional governance structures.