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Ex-MotoGP champion Hayden dies after bicycle crash

Posted May 22, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - In this Friday, June 14, 2013 file photo, Nicky Hayden, of the U.S sits in his garage at the Montmelo racetrack in Montmelo, outside Barcelona. The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital has announced that American motorcycle racer Nicky Hayden has died, five days after being hit by a car while training on his bicycle Hayden was 35. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) The Associated Press

CESENA, Italy (AP) - Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden died in hospital on Monday, five days after he was hit by a car while training on his bicycle. Hayden was 35.

Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, where Hayden had been since the collision last Wednesday, made the announcement. Hayden had severe cerebral damage and multiple traumatic injuries.

"The medical team has verified the death of the patient Nicholas Patrick Hayden, who has been undergoing care since last Wednesday May 17 in the intensive care unit of the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena following a very serious polytrauma which occurred the same day," the hospital statement said.

Hayden was training on the Rimini coast following a motorcycle race at nearby Imola. The black Peugeot car that hit Hayden had its front windshield smashed.

Judicial authorities have opened an investigation into the incident and questioned the 30-year-old driver of the Peugeot.

Hayden won the MotoGP title in 2006, finishing narrowly ahead of Italian great Valentino Rossi.

In a MotoGP career spanning 2003-16 with Honda and Ducati, Hayden posted three victories and 28 podium finishes in 218 races.

After switching to the World Superbike championship last year, Hayden finished fifth overall.

Hayden was 13th in Superbike this season, riding for the Red Bull Honda team.

Fellow motorcycle racers reacted to Hayden's death on Twitter.

"I'm shattered after the news. We will never forget you!" wrote three-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez.

"Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69," wrote MotoGP standout Dani Pedrosa.

Hayden was born in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Several family members had flown in from the United States, including Hayden's mother and brother.

FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2006, file photo, United States Honda rider Nicky Hayden holds a U.S. flag after winning the world championship GP at the Cheste racetrack near Valencia, Spain. The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital has announced that American motorcycle racer Nicky Hayden has died, five days after being hit by a car while training on his bicycle Hayden was 35. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 file photo, Honda MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden holds up his hand during an official pre-race press conference ahead of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Australia. The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital has announced that American motorcycle racer Nicky Hayden has died, five days after being hit by a car while training on his bicycle Hayden was 35. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 file photo, Honda MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden controls his bike on turn 11 during the first free practice session of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Australia. The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital has announced that American motorcycle racer Nicky Hayden has died, five days after being hit by a car while training on his bicycle Hayden was 35. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File) The Associated Press

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