COLORADO SPRINGS — Motorcycle racer Carlin Dunne of Santa Barbara died Sunday in the 97th Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, officials confirmed in a news release.
“We mourn the tragic death of Carlin and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family,” according to the release. “Carlin will be remembered as a warm-hearted mentor with a competitive spirit. He was a gentle and thoughtful man who touched everyone who met him. We will always remember his contagious smile and genuine love for sport.”
Mr. Dunne crashed his 2019 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Prototype near the finish line at about 9:30 a.m. PDT Sunday. A reporter witnessed bike shrapnel going over the right edge of the road about 20 yards from the finish line.
Throughout the morning, riders had trouble with a small hump in the road near the summit. Multiple witnesses said they believed Mr. Dunne hit the bump at high speed.
An ambulance took Mr. Dunne down the mountain right after the crash. His death was announced at about 2:40 p.m. PDT.
This was at least the seventh death associated with the Hill Climb.
Mr. Dunne, 36, was a professional motorcycle racer and four-time winner of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. His qualifying time for the 2019 running was the fastest in his division and he was largely expected to take the top finishing time for motorcycles.
“There are no words to describe our shock and sadness. Carlin was part of our family and one of the most genuine and kind men we have ever known. His spirit for this event and love of motorcycling will be remembered forever as his passing leaves a hole in our hearts,” said Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America.
