Baja 1000 death, RIP Kurt Caselli, new information

[JM485]

As the title suggests, offroad riders have lost one of their greatest competitors today at the Baja 1000. Not a lot of details yet, but apparently he was in first place when he hit a boobie trap set in the course. He apparently died of head trauma shortly after the crash. I didn't follow his racing closely, but I often saw his name in offroad headlines, and he is considered one of the best dirtbike riders in the world. From what I have read, he was also a great person and competitor, not to mention extremely talented on a motorcycle. While we all know the risks involved in races like this, it really blows my mind that one of the greatest riders in the world lost his life in such a tragic and preventable way. I didn't realize that traps like this are so common, where apparently locals often rob the downed rider after they hit the trap, but losing someone in this way is just not right. I can't imagine how low of a person you would have to be to intentionally make a rider crash, and not think of the possible consequences of it. It was on my mind tonight so I thought I would bring this to everyone's attention, my thoughts and prayers go out to his team and family. RIP Kurt.

Edited November 17, 2013 by JM485

[o-man]

It is a shame, but I've heard about locals putting up obstacles for over 20m years. New twist is robbing people. I sometimes wonder what the heck goes through peoples minds to make them do this. may the rider rest in peace, and my thoughts are with his family.

[Austin T]

That's a shame to hear. I hope they find the people who set the trap and throw them in the joint. They basically committed Murder.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Austin T

[Psychographic]

http://jalopnik.com/kurt-caselli-not-killed-by-booby-trapped-course-compet-1465895717

[Craig Irwin]

They basically committed Murder.

And the Mexican government won't do anything about it.

[JM485]

Well, there is a bit of a good update about this. Apparently his team found damage to his bike that suggested he hit an animal of some kind, not a human created trap. It is likely he hit a cow, deer or other large animal. I feel a lot better knowing this was not a preventable death, and was basically a racing incident, but I am also still incredibly saddened that we lost such a great ambassador to the sport. Ride In Peace Kurt.