(Newswire.net — May 24, 2017) — Nicholas Nicky Hayden, nicknamed the Kentucky Kid, died aged 35 from injuries sustained in a bicycle crash near the Italian coastal city of Rimini.
While riding his bike along the Rimini coastline on May 17, Nicky collided with a car, suffering traumatic brain and chest injuries to which he succumbed five days later in a local hospital.
The sporting world is mourning. Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez was among the first to pay his tributes: “I’m shattered after the news. We will never forget you.” Another Spanish MotoGP racer Dani Pedrosa wrote: “Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky,” while his compatriot Aleix Espargaro was in shock: “Can’t believe [it] … The most easy and good guy I ever met on a paddock in my life! Love u Nicky!”
The weekend prior to Nicky’s death, seven-time MotoGP champ Valentino Rossi spoke fondly of his former rival: “I have a lot of stories, a lot of memories with Nicky. We raced, we were teammates also. Great rider, always at the top, but especially a great guy.” The Doctor later also described Nicky as one of the best friends he’s ever had in the paddock.
Formula One greats also bade farewell to the Kentucky Kid. Three-time champion Lewis Hamilton sent an emotional message: “May God hold you high, you are forever in our hearts,” while Australia’s Mark Webber tweeted: “A beautiful person, genuine and real. RIP mate,”
Nicky grew up in a racing family. Both parents raced dirt track, while his two brothers and two sisters also followed in their tracks. Nicky was riding by age three and racing two years later.
He took the same No. 69 that his father had during his career. “I crashed a lot, so I needed a number that you could read when I was upside-down,” said father Earl, who liked to joke.
Nicky turned pro on his 16th birthday, getting into AMA racing and winning the Daytona 200 in 2002, which earned him a promotion to the MotoGP world championship.
The dream come true when No. 69 claimed the 2006 MotoGP championship in a thrilling showdown with Valentino Rossi, ending the Doctor’s five-year streak of titles.
In 2016, Nicky switched to the World Superbike Championship, finishing fifth in the overall standings. This year, he won the race in Malaysia.
Nicky was named a MotoGP Legend in November 2015.
The racing great won many battles on dirt and asphalt tracks, but this time, unfortunately he didn’t pull through. Living his life passionately and boldly in the extremely dangerous world of two-wheel motorsport, ultimately it was an off-track accident that took his life.
Ride in peace, Nicky!