'Remember Nicky at his happiest' - Tommy Hayden

Nicky Hayden’s brother, Tommy has requested that the 2006 MotoGP World Champion be remembered at his happiest after the sad news the 35-year-old has passed away following last week’s cycle crash.

Hayden was cycling near the Misano circuit in Italy when he was involved in a collision with a car. He was taken to a nearby hospital, and then transferred to a larger hospital in Cesena where it was confirmed he was in an ‘extremely critical’ condition with multiple traumatic injuries with subsequent brain damage. He succumbed to his injuries at 19:09 CEST.

Following the news, the family and Red Bull Honda WSB team released the following statement from Tommy Hayden, who flew in from America to be at his brother’s bedside last week.

“On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way,” it read.

“Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming World Champion. We are all so proud of that.

“Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly.

“It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.”

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.