Dutch motorcycle rider Victor Steeman has died following injuries he suffered during a race in Portugal, the governing body of the sport, the Federacion Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), announced on Tuesday. He was 22.
Steeman was competing in the Supersport 300 World Championship in Portugal at the weekend when he was involved in a crash on turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, read the FIM’s statement.
The Kawasaki rider received immediate medical support at the side of the track and at the circuit medical center before being transferred by helicopter to Faro Hospital, according to the FIM.
Steeman later died of his injuries.
“Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened,” 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 passing, was able to save 5 other people by donating his organs.
“We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
Having secured four wins and five podium finishes this season, Steeman had a chance to claim the WorldSSP300 championship ahead of Spain’s Alvaro Diaz in Portugal.
“We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman,” the Superbike World 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 racer, and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever.”
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 previously.
