Dutch motorcycle rider Victor Steeman has died from injuries sustained during a race in Portugal, the sport’s governing body, the Federacion Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), announced on Tuesday. He was 22.
Steeman was racing the Supersport 300 World Championship in Portugal at the weekend when he crashed at Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, read a statement from the FIM.
According to the FIM, the Kawasaki rider received immediate medical support at the side of the track and at the circuit’s medical center before being airlifted to the Faro Hospital.
Steeman later died from his injuries.
“Now something has happened that you always fear as a parent of a motorcycle racer,” said a statement from Steeman’s family shared by the FIM. “Our Victor could not win this last race.
“Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his death, was able to save 5 more people by donating his organs.
Advertising feedback
“We would like to thank everyone for the way you lived with us in the last few days. We will miss our Victor very much.”
After securing four wins and five podiums this season, Steeman had the chance to claim the WorldSSP300 title ahead of Spain’s Alvaro Diaz in Portugal.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman,” the World Superbike Championship wrote on social media.
“The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce competitor and a legacy that will forever be enshrined in our paddock.”
Steeman’s death comes less than a week after British Superbike rider Chrissy Rouse died on October 6 from injuries sustained in a crash at Donington Park in England four days earlier.