Snowmobile rider Caleb Moore dies

Winter X Games competitor Caleb Moore died Thursday morning in a Colorado hospital a week after his snowmobile crashed during an event. He was 25 years old.

Moore crashed last Thursday while attempting a backflip on a 70-foot ramp during a freestyle event.

During his landing, the skis on his 450-pound snowmobile hit the snow, sending Moore flying over the handlebars. Moore landed face first onto the ground; then his snowmobile rolled over him.

Moore walked off the course and went to a hospital to be treated for a concussion, but his condition quickly worsened.

He developed bleeding around his heart and his family said that he had a complication involving his brain. Moore was flown to a hospital in Grand Junction for surgery.

Moore, of Krum, Texas, was the first fatality in the 17-year history of the Winter X Games, but his death raises some serious questions about the safety of the Games, which challenge athletes to push themselves to extremes.

“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,” ESPN, which organizes and televises the X Games, said in a statement, according to CNN. “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.

“As a result of this accident we will conduct a thorough review of this discipline and adopt any appropriate changes to future X Games.”

CNN also reported that Moore’s family had released a statement.

“He will be truly missed and never forgotten,” they said. “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.”

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