Motorsport rocked by tragic death of 15-year-old Dean Berta Vinales
The motorsport world is mourning the tragic death of 15-year-old Superbike star Dean Berta Vinales.
The teenage phenom was taking part in the opening race of the Motul Spanish Round in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championships on Saturday when the tragedy occurred.
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Berta Vinales was on lap 11 of the race when he was involved in a multi-rider crash, suffering severe head and spinal injuries.
The race was stopped and paramedics rushed to his aid before he was transferred to the medical centre on site.
However Berta Vinales' injuries were too severe and he couldn't be saved.
We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of Dean Berta Viñales.
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. pic.twitter.com/46KuUt4Vnl— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) September 25, 2021
"We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of Dean Berta Viñales," a statement from World Superbikes read.
"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.
"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."
Motorsport world in shock over devastating tragedy
Berta Viñales is the cousin of MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales.
“We’re devastated by the tragic loss of @DeanBerta21 following a crash in #WorldSSP300 Race 1 today,” MotoGP wrote on Twitter.
“Sending all our love and strength to Maverick Vinales and Dean’s entire family, his team and loved ones.”
Six-times MotoGP champion Marc Márquez wrote: “Rest in peace Dean. All my support to family and friends.”
Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea also paid tribute, saying his death is "such a sad day".
Berta Vinales' death is the latest in a series of crashes that have claimed the lives of young riders in recent times.
Fourteen-year-old Hugo Millan died during a race in Spain in July, while Swiss Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier, 19, died in May after a three-bike crash during a qualifying session at the Mugello circuit in Italy.
2006 - 2021
Following a serious incident in Jerez this morning, FIM Supersport 300 World Championship rider Dean Berta Viñales, cousin of MotoGP rider Maverick, has sadly passed away.
The thoughts of everyone at BT Sport are with Berta's friends, family and team-mates. pic.twitter.com/qQEEu37xTc— MotoGP on BT Sport (@btsportmotogp) September 25, 2021
Really thinking of the Viñales family today following the loss of Dean Berta who raced for the family owned Viñales Racing Team. A terrible time for the family, please keep them in your thoughts pic.twitter.com/OUjVoPgAUM
— everythingmotoracing (@everythingmrace) September 25, 2021
The entire Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team is incredibly saddened by the tragic news arriving us from the WorldSBK meeting in Jerez. We want to send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of the just 15 year old Spaniard Dean Berta Viñales 🙏🏻#RIPDean pic.twitter.com/BXZzANMZLW
— Tech3 Racing (@Tech3Racing) September 25, 2021
Can't believe it! All my support to Dean Berta Viñales' family and friends pic.twitter.com/b4Jv0ZnBHs
— JoanMir36 (@JoanMirOfficial) September 25, 2021
How sad Dean Berta Vinales died this day racing during the 300cc supersport world championship😭🙏🏼
I wish my former competitors lots of courage ❤️ #RIP Dean
Courage at the @WorldSBK paddock pic.twitter.com/KnXDWNLp9S— Valentin Grimoux (@vaval53) September 25, 2021
We are saddened to report that World Supersport 300 rider, Dean Berta Vinales has lost his life after an incident at Jerez.
Rest in peace, Dean 💔#WorldSBK pic.twitter.com/GTwfPf1IY9— CRASH.NET/MotoGP (@crash_motogp) September 25, 2021
Everyone at Kawasaki Racing Team is devastated and we wish to send our most heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and team of Dean Berta Viñales pic.twitter.com/IPxRwWW62N
— KRT WorldSBK (@KRT_WorldSBK) September 25, 2021
Today the racing world has suffered another terrible loss of young life as Dean Berta Viñales passed away following a crash in WSSP300. We wish to send our sincere condolences and thoughts to the whole Berta Viñales family. pic.twitter.com/NxmYYLmOFe
— Team Suzuki Ecstar (@suzukimotogp) September 25, 2021
🙏🏼 Very sad news. All the strength to Dean Berta Viñales' family and friends 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/15J1lt5oQb
— Tito Rabat (@TitoRabat) September 25, 2021
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