Dutch motorcycle star Victor Steeman died days after he was involved in a racing accident, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) announced Tuesday. He was 22 years old.
Steeman, who competed in the Supersport 300 World Championship, was involved in a “multi-rider incident” during the opening lap at the Portugal-based event on Saturday.
He lost his balance on one of the track’s final turns and was sent flying off of his bike.
Medical officials transported Steeman to a local hospital in critical condition as he suffered polytrauma and a head injury, according to the motorcycle organization’s website.
Polytrauma is classified as when the body experiences injuries to its organs as a result of “blast-related events.” He died from his injuries on Tuesday.
Steeman’s family revealed the racer saved five other people through organ donation.
“Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened,” Steeman’s family said in a statement. “Our Victor could not win this last race.
“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.”
Victor Steeman saved the lives of five people as his organs were donated following his death. Getty ImagesSteeman, who represented Kawasaki, was in the midst of his most successful professional season since he made his debut in 2018.
He set career-highs in podium finishes (5) and wins (4) and was the second-ranked rider in the organization’s WorldSSP300 championship rankings at the time of his death.
“Victor was a hero to all of us at Kawasaki,” Kawasaki race planning manager Steve Guttridge said. “He had achieved much in his racing journey already, even at such a young age. We express our deepest sympathies to his friends and family, and of course all of his supporters and the crew of his MTM team, at this sad time.”
Victor Steeman rides during the SuperSport 300 Race 1 during the WorldSBK Motul Dutch Round at the TT Circuit Assen on April 23, 2022 in Assen, Netherlands. Getty ImagesTributes poured in from Steeman’s fellow riders.
“RIP Victor Steeman. Taken way too soon,” British superbike racer Glenn Irwin said.
The Dutchman’s untimely death occurred days after 26-year-old British rider Chrissy Rouse died as a result of race-related injuries on Oct. 2.
Officials opened an investigation into Rouse’s wreck, asking spectators to submit footage.
