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World Superbike Rider Dean Berta Vinales Dies After Crash Aged 15

World Superbike Rider Dean Berta Vinales Dies After Crash Aged 15

Dean Berta Vinales was racing in Jerez when he died in a crash that involved five riders at the World Superbike event.

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

World Superbike star Dean Berta Viñales has died at the age of 15-years-old after a horror crash in Spain.

The racing on Saturday was completely cancelled after the incident, which involved a number of riders on the course in Jerez.

It occurred during the opening round of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championships, with Viñales - the cousin of MotoGP star Maverick Viñales - declared dead shortly after the incident.

The young Spaniard was one of five riders involved in the tragic accident, alongside Alejandro Carrion, Harry Khouri, Yeray Ruiz, and Daniel Mogeda.

After the crash, the race was immediately red-flagged, and Kawasaki's Jeffrey Buis was declared the winner based upon the standings on the last completed lap.

Twitter/MotoGP

Two hours later, World Superbike (WorldSBK) released a statement that read: "Following a serious incident in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship's Race 1 during the Motul Spanish Round at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship round, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of rider Dean Berta Viñales (Viñales Racing Team).

"The rider suffered severe head and thoracic injuries.

"Medical vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to on track, in the ambulance and at the circuit Medical Centre.

"Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff, the Medical Centre has announced that Berta Viñales has sadly succumbed to his injuries."

Their statement continued: "Berta Viñales was enjoying a recent run of good form in his rookie season in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, claiming a best of fourth place at Magny-Cours in Race 2 and backing it up with sixth in Barcelona-Catalunya Race 2, having set the fastest lap in Race 1.

"He was showing great potential during the Motul Spanish Round, in the leading group and starting from his best Superpole result of tenth.

"The FIM, Dorna and the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto pass on our deepest condolences to Berta Viñales' family, friends, team and loved ones.

"Following the incident, the remainder of Saturday's action has been cancelled."

They also tweeted out a tribute to the rider, adding: "We're deeply saddened to report the loss of Dean Berta Viñales," they tweeted.

"The #WorldSBK family sends love to his family, loved ones, and his team. Your personality, enthusiasm, and commitment will be hugely missed. The whole motorcycle racing world will miss you, Dean.

"Ride in Peace."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/WorldSBK

Topics: SPORT, World News, Spain

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