UPDATED 6:01 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – The race director for the Peoria Motorcycle Club TT Races is amongst many people mourning the passing of a Colorado teenager who died after a crash during the race.
Peoria County officials say 15-year-old Bayne Nantz suffered serious injuries after a three rider crash in the August 22nd race, and succumbed to those injuries late Tuesday night.
Race Director Shawn Potts spoke to WMBD’s “The Phil Luciano Show” on Thursday about Nantz’ passing.
“We’re hurting along with all the other racing families and the community. We never want to see anything like this happen,” Potts said.
Potts says Nantz was involved in a race with 14-20 year old riders. He recalled watching Nantz in the race, saying he was running really good after getting the hole shot and leading the way.
Potts notes that racing incidents do occur, because it is a dangerous sport, but a sport that Nantz loved to do.
Potts says the family will need support in the aftermath, noting that they have been in central Illinois for a week and a half since the crash. He says Carter Racing of Canton is one group selling merchandise as a fundraiser for the family.
Races in Springfield this weekend are paying tribute to Nantz.
Potts is asking people to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
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PEORIA, Ill. – The racing community in Central Illinois is mourning a devastating loss. 15-year-old Bayne Nantz, who traveled here from Colorado to compete, has died after a crash on the track.
Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins says the accident happened during the TT races at the Peoria Motorcycle Club on August 22.
Nantz was involved in a three-bike collision that sent him to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. He had been hospitalized since the crash, but passed away late Monday night.
For a sport that thrives on speed and skill, a tragedy like this hits the community hard. The Peoria Motorcycle Club has long been a staple of local racing, and the loss of a young person with passion for the sport is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks involved.
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office and the Peoria County Coroner are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
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