Kurt Caselli Passes Away After Accident at Baja 1000 Racing Event

Tragic news just broke from the Baja 1000. It is being reported that off-road racing legend Kurt Caselli crashed after possibly hitting an animal. He later died from severe head trauma after being medevaced to the nearest hospital. Kurt was just 30 years old.

While any death in the dirt bike world hits us all hard, the death of Kurt Caselli will be felt worldwide. Kurt was nothing short of a legend on two wheels and a friend to anyone that he came in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Kurt’s friends and family tonight. RIP Kurt Caselli. You will be remembered and sorely missed.

We will report more when further news becomes available. Read Official KTM Press Release>>>.

Per Chris Estrada of Motorsports Talk, the fatal accident occurred near the end of the 833-mile Baja 1000 in Baja California, Mexico. Caselli's motorcycle reportedly hit an animal 796 miles into the race, which caused him to suffer significant head injuries. He was airlifted to the hospital where he was ultimately pronounced dead.

Caselli was an elite rider for KTM Racing, and he was a three-time Hare & Hounds champion and winner of the Desafio Ruta 40 Rally, according to Ballaban.

KTM Racing expressed a great deal of sadness when commenting on the loss of Caselli:

Hugely shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kurt Caselli as the result of a crash while riding in the Baja 1000. A huge loss to his family, team and to our sport. Kurt was a wonderful competitor and an all round top guy. More when we have all the details from our team in the USA statement.

American Motorcyclist Association president and CEO Rob Dingman released a statement as well, according to Estrada:

Kurt Caselli was one of American desert racing’s finest champions, and his early and untimely death is a major blow to the hearts and minds of all of us who knew him or knew of him. Caselli was a gracious competitor, a team leader and a fan favorite. His love for motorcycling showed through in everything he did, whether he was leading his fellow racers as the U.S. team captain for the International Six Days Enduro or signing autographs for a young fan.

On behalf of the AMA Board of Directors, our staff and AMA members everywhere, we offer our condolences to the family of Kurt Caselli and thank them for sharing with us one of the sport’s finest racers and greatest men.