Factory KTM rider Kurt Caselli was tragically killed at the Baja 1000. Image: Simon Cudby.

Motorcycle enthusiasts globally are in mourning following the tragic death of American KTM factory rider Kurt Caselli during the Baja 1000 in Mexico last weekend.

Caselli, 30, was leading the race when he suffered a crash that resulted in severe head trauma. He died of his injuries in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Initial reports had linked the incident to a booby trap, however KTM later confirmed that traces on Caselli’s bike indicate a collision with an animal.

The team, who have now recovered Kurt’s bike discovered traces on the machine that indicate he had collided with some animal, which apparently caused the crash.

“Today we lost a KTM hero in the worst possible circumstances,” said Pit Beirer, head of KTM Motorsports. “We are shocked and saddened by this tragic news and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Kurt’s family.

“Kurt was much more than a very talented rider, he was also an exceptional team player. He represented and lived by the values and a passion for racing that lies at the very core of KTM.

“Our sport has lost more than a great rider, we have also lost an excellent ambassador for off-road racing.”

Caselli was an accomplished off-road and desert rider, but he had also made a successful transition to international rallies for the KTM Factory Team.

He was admired and respected in racing circles for his skill, natural talent and exemplary sportsmanship far beyond the borders of his home country. While Kurt was one of the most popular figures on the KTM team, he was also an unmatched role model for young riders and fans.

Passionate about his sport, he had multiple consecutive championships in WORCS and National Hare and Hound racing and had been the lead rider for the USA International Six Days Enduro team for the past 10 years.

”We at KTM can’t put into context the loss everyone in the motorcycling community is experiencing,” said Jon-Erik Burleson, president of KTM North America. “Beyond his racing successes and talent as a rider, Kurt was above all else a core member of our greater off-road family that simply can’t be replaced.

“Kurt inspired the KTM family to keep pushing the limits of racing. He was the driving force behind our renewed efforts in Baja, Hare and Hound and the International Six Days Enduro. His work ethic, attitude and graciousness will never be matched.”

In January 2013, Caselli was drafted into the official KTM Rally team to ride in the Dakar Rally, replacing his friend and factory teammate Marc Coma, who was injured.

Caselli’s debut ride in the Dakar Rally was impressive. He was subsequently given a permanent spot on the KTM Rally team and was preparing to contest the Dakar 2014 and the FIM World Cross Country Rallies Championship in the coming season.

The 2013 Baja 1000 was ultimately won by JCR Honda’s Tim Weigand, Colton Udall, David Kamo and Mark Samuels.