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Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden has died five days after he was hit by a car while cycling in eastern Italy.
"It is with great sadness that Red Bull Honda … has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday," his Honda World Superbike team said in a statement overnight.
"Nicky passed away at 19.09 (local time) this evening at Maurizio Bufalini hospital in Cesena. His fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side."
The 35-year-old American had been in intensive care with severe brain damage since he was struck by a car while training on his bicycle along Italy's Adriatic Coast.
The force of the impact shattered the car windscreen.
MotoGP promoters Dorna joined in tributes from across the world of motorsport for the "Kentucky Kid" who won the 2006 world title for Honda.
"A true champion on and off track, Hayden will be deeply missed," they said.
"Hayden will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced throughout an incredible career, his millions of fans around the world, and by all those closest to him."
The last medical bulletin from the hospital, dated May 20, said Hayden remained in a critical condition. The hospital had previously said he had suffered serious brain damage in the accident.
Hayden last raced in the MotoGP championship at Phillip Island in October 2016 as a stand-in for injured Spaniard Dani Pedrosa in the factory Honda team.
He started 216 races between 2003 and 2015, winning three.
"Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest — riding a motorcycle," said his brother Tommy in the team statement.
"He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming world champion. We are all so proud of that."
Italian newspapers reported on Monday that investigators had found video of the accident from a camera on a house overlooking the road.
They said the images suggested Hayden had failed to stop at an intersection and was hit full on by the passing car.
There was no immediate confirmation of the report from the investigators.
The dangers of training on public roads have been highlighted in recent weeks by other accidents affecting professional athletes.
Michele Scarponi, the 2011 Giro d'Italia cycling champion, was killed last month after being hit by a van while training close to his home in Filottrano in eastern Italy.
Britain's Tour de France champion Chris Froome escaped unhurt this month while having his bike written off in a hit-and-run incident near his Monaco home.
Reuters
Topics: motor-sports, sport, united-states, italy
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