Snowmobiler Caleb Moore died Thursday, succumbing to injuries suffered in a violent crash during the X-Games.
Moore’s death marks the first in the extreme sports competition’s 17-year history.
He suffered the injuries during the snowmobile freestyle contest when his skis caught the lip of the landing ramp, tumbling on top of Moore.
A statement from the family read, “This morning Caleb Moore passed away. He will be truly missed and never forgotten.”
Family spokeswoman Chelsea Lawson delivered the statement saying, “The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all the prayers and support they have received from all the fans, friends and family around the world that Caleb has inspired.”
Lawson went on to thank the staff at Aspen Valley Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction.
After being briefly knocked unconscious in the crash, Moore was hospitalized with a concussion. While treating him, doctors found bleeding around his heart and he was airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. Doctors said what turned out to be a heart contusion led to further complications in Moore’s brain; which ultimately caused his death.
“Arrangements for a celebration of life are being made and an announcement will be made in the coming days,” said Lawson.
Moore’s brother, Colten Moore also crashed on the same jump, and was hospitalized with a separated pelvis.
The Texas brothers were instant stars in the 2012 X-Games, where Caleb Moore took a gold medal in the freestyle event after training for just 30 days.
X-Games representatives said there would be a full inquiry into the crash and a reexamination of all safety procedures.
