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Victor Steeman
Photo:
IMAGO/Ondrej Hajek / IMAGO/CTK Photo
Dutch motorcycle pilot Victor Steeman is dead. The 22-year-old crashed badly in the Supersport 300 World Championship race in Portimao on Saturday after colliding with his Kawasaki team-mate José Perez Gonzalez.
The Dutchman was hospitalized in Portugal, where he died on Tuesday, his family said in a statement.
“Something that parents of motorcycle racers always fear has happened.
Our Victor couldn't win this last race," wrote Steeman's family in the statement published by "Worldsuperbike" promoter Dorna on Tuesday night.
"We will miss Victor terribly."
Steeman donated his organs, which could have saved five people, the statement said.
The accident happened on Saturday afternoon: On the third lap, Perez Gonzalez lost control of his machine, which crashed head-on at Steeman, who had no chance to avoid it.
The 22-year-old had to be artificially ventilated after the collision and was taken to a hospital in Faro by helicopter, where he succumbed to his severe head injuries.
Steeman was considered a promising young driver.
He won five World Championship races and was on pole position six times.
At the season finale of the Supersport 300 World Championship, he had outsider chances for the World Championship title.
ngo/dpa