The entire motocross Grand Prix community is deeply saddened by the terrible news that MX2 factory racer Rene Hofer, along with two of his friends, have passed away following a skiing incident in Austria.
The KTM factory wishes to send love and heartfelt condolences to Hofer’s family, friends, his team, along with the entire motocross community during this incredibly difficult time.
Hofer, a multi-time junior champion and GP winner with a bright future in Grand Prix ahead of him, will be remembered not only for his talent on the track, but also for his approachable, fun-loving and friendly personality, along with his ever-present smile.
Tragically, shortly after midday on December 4, 2021, during an alpine skiing trip with 10 friends, the 19-year-old Austrian and seven others in his group was caught by an avalanche. Rene Hofer and two of his friends did not survive the incident.
He was among 11 other skiers when they were ascending the 2126 metre mountain Lachenspitze on the weekend.
The group is understood to have suddenly been hit by an avalanche.
Eight of the group were hit by a roughly 200-metre (655-foot) wide slab of snow as they ascended a slope during a ski tour in the Tweng area, in Salzburg province.
The other men who died are also Austrian, and are aged 19 and 24.
Rescuers were able to locate two of the victims with the help of their search devices but one was already dead and the other died at a hospital in Klagenfurt.
A third buried skier wasn’t carrying a search device. His body was located about four hours after the avalanche and recovered.
Two other members of the group were buried, but were able to free themselves and were taken to hospital.
Five rescue helicopters and a mountain rescue unit were deployed to save the trapped skiers.
Avalanche warnings levels were in place in the area, and there were warnings about the depth of snow drifts.
Hofer was a junior motocross world champion and European champion who was tipped for more success at the professional level.
He claimed the 85cc Junior World Championship and European titles in 2016.
Ride on peacefully Rene. The No.711 KTM will be missed on the start line.
Photo courtesy KTM Europe
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