Dakar rider Carles Falcón passes away after serious crash

Spanish rider Carles Falcón has passed away after sustaining serious injuries in the 2024 Dakar Rally, his TwinTrailRacing team has announced.

Falcón fell and was badly injured during the second stage of the rally on Sunday 7th January, and was airlifted to Al Duwadimi Hospital having been resuscitated after being found without a pulse following the incident.

He was repatriated to Spain in intensive care having been placed in an induced coma after suffering a cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain) after fracturing his C2 vertebra as well as ribs, his wrist and collarbone.

On January 15th, his team announced that Falcón had passed away as a result of his injuries.

"The medical team has confirmed the neurological damage caused by cardiovascular arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible," read a team statement.

"Carles was a smiling, always active person, who enjoyed with passion everything he did, especially motorcycles. He's left us doing something that was his dream, running the Dakar.

"He was enjoying he was happy on the bike. We must remember him for his smile and for the happiness he created in everyone."

"Computer Engineer by training, motorcycle instructor and motorcycle tour guide by passion. There are many who have learned by his side. He taught with patience, energy and happiness, and made everyone enjoy bikes.

"This is what he has left us and we will always keep with us, all of us who have been close to him, family, friends, team-mates and supporters."

Everyone at RacingNews365 sends their thoughts to the friends and family of Carles Falcón following his passing.