Snowmobile rider Caleb Moore, 25, died Thursday morning, exactly one week after being injured in a crash at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., reports The Denver Post. Moore's death is the first fatality in the 17-year history of the Winter X Games.
Though details on the exact cause of death were not disclosed, family spokeswoman Chelsea Lawson released the following statement on behalf of the Moore family:
"The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all the prayers and support they have received from all the fans, friends and family around the world that Caleb has inspired.
"They would also like to thank the physicians and medical staff at both Aspen Valley Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, Grand Junction for their care and dedication.
"At this time, the family will not be making any other public statements. They continue to decline interviews. Thank you for continuing to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time."
Moore, of Krum, Texas, was injured during the snowmobile freestyle final when he failed to complete a flip and his vehicle's skis clipped the landing, sending Moore flying over the handlebars and face-first into the ramp. His snowmobile then landed on top of him, knocking him unconscious, but Moore eventually walked off the course with assistance and was rushed to Aspen Valley Hospital with a concussion.
While there, doctors discovered bleeding around Moore's heart and had him airlifted to the hospital in Grand Junction for emergency surgery. It was reported that the cardiac injury led to "a secondary complication involving his brain" but further details weren't provided.
-- Kelly Burgess
Image of Caleb Moore at last year's Winter X Games courtesy of Eric Lars Bakke / ESPN Images
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