Nicky Hayden: Former motorcycle world champ dies after being hit by car while cycling
Hayden returned to MotoGP to substitute an injured Dani Pedrosa at Phillip Island in 2016.
AP: Rob Griffith
Former MotoGP champ Nicky Hayden has died five days after he was hit by a car while cycling in eastern Italy.
"It is with good sadness that Crimson Bull Honda … has to announce that Nicky Hayden has gave way to injuries suffered during an incident while railing his bicycle last Wednesday," his Honda World Superbike team said in a statement overnight.
"Nicky passed away at Nineteen.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 harm since he was struck by a car while training on his bicycle along Italy’s Adriatic Coast.
The force of the influence shattered the car windscreen.
Photo Hayden was struck by the car while cycling on a training rail near the Imola racetrack.
MotoGP promoters Dorna joined in tributes from across the world of motorsport for the "Kentucky Kid" who won the two thousand six world title for Honda.
"A true champ on and off track, Hayden will be deeply missed," they said.
"Hayden will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced via 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 harm in the accident.
Hayden last raced in the MotoGP championship at Phillip Island in October two thousand sixteen as a stand-in for injured Spaniard Dani Pedrosa in the factory Honda team.
He commenced two hundred sixteen races inbetween two thousand three and 2015, winning three.
"Albeit this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to reminisce Nicky at his happiest — railing 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 champ. We are all so proud of that."
Italian newspapers reported on Monday that investigators had found movie of the accident from a camera on a house overlooking the road.
They said the pictures suggested Hayden had failed to stop at an intersection and was hit total on by the passing car.
There was no instant confirmation of the report from the investigators.
The dangers of training on public roads have been highlighted in latest weeks by other accidents affecting professional athletes.
