French motorcyclist Pierre Cherpin dies from injuries in Dakar rally

French motorcyclist Pierre Cherpin has died from his injuries after a fall during the Dakar Rally, becoming the notoriously perilous race’s first fatality this year, organizers said on Friday.

Cherpin, 52, died during his medical transfer to France after he crashed at 178 kilometers (110 miles) per hour on Sunday.

“During his transfer by medical plane from Jeddah to France, Pierre Cherpin died from the injuries caused by his fall,” a statement said.

Cherpin, who was competing in his fourth Dakar Rally, was found unconscious after his crash and taken to hospital in Sakaka before he was airlifted to Jedda.

PIERRE CHERPIN PASSED AWAY

During his transfer by medical plane, Pierre Cherpin died on Jan 14th from injuries caused by his fall during the 7th stage.

The Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family, relatives & friends.https://t.co/ccJ4ctOU9D pic.twitter.com/zxQ9o49ENG

— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 15, 2021