Iconic motorcycle racer Ralph Hudson has died aged 69 after a high-speed crash at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Hudson was attempting to break a speed record but reportedly crashed while travelling at 252 miles per hour last month.
He was rushed to hospital following the accident and was in a critical condition for a time before stabilising, but a statement confirmed his death on Monday.
"It is with a breaking heart I must inform our racing community that Ralph Hudson succumbed last night to the injuries he suffered at Bonneville on August 14," Hudson's family said in a statement via the Southern California Timing Association.
"He was surrounded by his son David, myself [Leslie Murray] and his best friend of 30 years, Linda. Information regarding a celebration of life and a memorial scholarship in Ralph's name will follow when available.
"We sincerely thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support during this very difficult time."
The crash occurred on 14 August during the Southern California Timing Association's event 'Speedweek' and the organisation's president, Bill Lattin, broke the news.
"At approximately 8:20 a.m. Mountain Time today, veteran rider Ralph Hudson, age 69, lost control of his motorcycle land speed vehicle," Lattin wrote, as reported by ABC 4 News.
"He was attempting a speed record and was traveling approximately 252 mph. Ralph was treated by medical professionals at the scene and transported by ambulance to LifeFlight and flown to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City.
"The cause of the incident is currently under investigation."
Vice president of the Southern California Timing Association Pat McDowell paid tribute to Hudson, who he knew for over a decade.
“A good man,” McDowell told Desert News. “A great competitor and innovator. One of the legends of our sport... I’m going to miss him.”
