autoevolution
 

Motorcyclist Pascal Terry Loses His Life in the 2009 Dakar Rally

The 2009 Dakar Rally has made its first victim. French rider Pascal Terry was found dead by the rally organizers earlier today, with the cause of death yet to be determined. The 49-year old was found approximately 15 meters away from his bike, as reported by the Dakar organizers on Wednesday.

Terry was on his very first start in the competition and did not report back to the Dakar caravan after the second stage on Sunday. The reason why the searching crew took so long to find him was because his body rested in a remote area on the Sta Rosa de la Pampa to Puerto Madryn route.

“The motorcyclist was found in an area that is very inaccessible with very dense vegetation 15 meters from his bike. He had taken off his helmet and had taken shelter with food and water next to him,” said the Dakar organizers in a statement. The Frenchman is therefore the first competitor to lose his life in this year's Dakar Rally, while the 26th in the history of the famous competition.

The news comes only a few days after British driver Paul Green and his co-driver Matthew Harrison were seriously injured in a crash during the first stage of the Dakar Rally. The medical condition of both patients is still very serious, while difficult to predict.

“Green is suffering from a blow to the thorax and spine. We are trying to remove him from the breathing apparatus. His situation is serious but with a favorable outlook, although with this type of injury can only be judged by what happens over several days as complications can occur. Harrison's condition is serious and the situation has not changed,” said Juan Jose San Emerito, head of the Santa Rosa hospital's intensive care unit.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories