Snowmobiler Caleb Moore died Thursday a week after a crash at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado. He was just 25-years-old.
“He will be truly missed and never forgotten,” the family said in a statement to the media, reports CNN. “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.”
According to ESPN, Moore was in an accident last Thursday, in which his snowmobile rolled over him while he attempted a flip. He managed to walk off the course himself, but was diagnosed with a concussion at the hospital. He had surgery on Friday, but more complications developed on Saturday. The family did not release further information.
ESPN also issued a statement, expressing condolences. The network organizes the games, which have often been criticized for the extremely dangerous tricks athletes attempt. Moore’s own brother, Colten, also suffered a separated pelvis during the competition.
“We are deeply saddened by Caleb Moore's passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Wade and Michelle, his brother, Colten, and the entire Moore family. He will be remembered for his natural passion for life and his deep love for his family and friends, and he will always be an inspiration to everyone he touched in the action sports community,” the network’s statement read. ESPN added that they will review safety regulations for the competition.
“Still, when the world's best compete at the highest level in any sport, risks remain. Caleb was a four-time X Games medalist attempting a move he has landed several times previously,” ESPN added.
“It's definitely a scary thing for a sport like ours,” snowmobiler Levi LaVallee told USA Today this week. “The only thing we can do is we can look at that and learn from it and look at how we can try to prevent that.”