A motorcycle racer lost his life Thursday during qualifying sessions at the North West 200 racing event in Northern Ireland, according to event organizers.
Officials have not released the rider’s identity, honoring the family’s request for privacy. The family has also given their consent for the racing event to proceed as scheduled, organizers stated.
“The session was immediately red flagged and emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries,” organizers said in their official statement.
The North West 200 began in 1929 as a handicap competition, originally covering 200 miles through northwestern Ireland. Today’s racers navigate closed public roadways during the event.
This marks the 21st death in the event’s history. The previous fatality occurred in 2016 when British rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas was killed during competition.
