Dakar Rally star dies aged 45 after horror crash in iconic race
Dakar Rally star Carles Falcon has died at the age of 45 following a crash in the second stage of the race earlier this month.
Falcon, who was competing in the race for the second time and riding for the TwinTrail team, suffered the accident on January 8. He crashed just a few kilometres from the end of the stage, and was airlifted to hospital, but his team announced his death on January 15.
"This Monday, January 15, Carles left us," their statement read. "The medical team has confirmed neurological damage caused by cardiorespiratory arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible."
"Carles was a smiling person, always active, who passionately enjoyed everything he did, especially motorcycles. He left us doing something that was his dream, racing the Dakar. He was enjoying himself, he was happy on the bike."
Following Falcon's initial crash, race organisers confirmed Falcon had been taken to Al Duwadimi Hospital. in a "serious" condition. Reports since indicated that the Catalan suffered cerebral oedema due to the fracture of the C2 vertebra, as well as five ribs, the left wrist and the collarbone.
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"We must remember him for his smile and for the happiness he generated in everyone," the statement from Falcon's team continued, per Autosport. "He was a computer engineer by training, motorcycle instructor and motorcycle travel guide by passion.
"There are many who have learned at his side. He taught with patience, energy and happiness, he made everyone enjoy the bike.
Carles Falcon's accident occurred on stage two of the Dakar Rally (AFP via Getty Images)"This is what he has left us and what we will always keep with us, all of us who have been close to him, family, friends, colleagues and fans. From the family and the team, we ask, please, to keep the privacy of the acts of farewell that will take place in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding."
The Dakar Rally's official channels later shared a message after learning of Falcon's death. "It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Spanish rider Carles Falcon from his family," it began.
"On the special on stage two from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi, the rider suffered a heavy fall after 448km. The medical teams who quickly arrived on the scene were able to assess the seriousness of his condition. He was airlifted to hospital in Al Duwadimi, before being taken to hospital in Riyadh and then repatriated to Spain a few days later.
"Despite the best efforts of the doctors, the rider succumbed to his injuries. The Dakar organisers and competitors offer their most sincere condolences to his family and friends."
A number of tributes came pouring in after the news broke. "Tragic news from the Dakar. RIP Carles" wrote one fan.
"it’s always tough to hear news like this," wrote another. "All my strength to his loved ones" was another response.
This year's Dakar Rally began on January 5, and is due to run until the 19th of the month. It is the fifth edition of the iconic race to be held in Saudi Arabia, with competitors due to finish the race in the city of Yanbu.
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