Nicky Hayden Passes Away After Cycling Accident

The 35-year-old American rider collided with a car when he was cycling with his friends in Rimini, Italy. He was immediately rushed to the hospital with severe head and chest injuries and several fractures.

Later he was shifted to the intensive care unit of the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, where doctors reported that he had suffered brain damage.

Hayden remained in critical condition through the weekend, and the doctors couldn't perform the surgery as his condition was not stable. On May 22, 2017, Hayden succumbed to his injuries.

In a statement, Hayden's brother Tommy Hayden said, "On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky's fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support - it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people's lives in such a positive way."

He added, "Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle. 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 Champion. We are all so proud of that."

Hayden made 217 MotoGP starts from 2003 to 2016. He was crowned world champion in the 2006 season beating Valentino Rossi. He was riding for Honda in the 2017 season of World Superbike Championship.