American motorcycle racer and 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden died on Monday evening. The American succumbed to injuries five days after he got involved in a collision with a car while cycling on the Riviera di Rimini last Wednesday (May 17). The 35-year old was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena.
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The hospital statement issued on Thursday said Hayden had suffered a serious polytrauma. He suffered serious cerebral damage and remained in a critical condition in intensive care through the weekend. His fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were by his side.
"On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky's fiancee Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people's lives in such a positive way," said brother Tommy Hayden. "We would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle."
Nicknamed The Kentucky Kid, Hayden is the last American to win the MotoGP title. Haydon was active in MotoGP during 2003 to 2016. 2006 was the best season for him as he won the MotoGP championship following a dramatic final race in Valencia. He edged out Valentino Rossi in his Honda bike in his only Championship win ending the Italian's streak of five consecutive titles.
From 2009 to 2013, he was part of Ducati team. For 2014 and 2015, he returned to Honda with the Aspar Team. From 2016 onwards he was participating in Superbike World Championship.
