World Superbike star Dean Berta Vinales has died in a horror race accident today.
Vinales, who was just 15, was pronounced dead after five motorbikes were involved in the incident during a race in Jerez.
The collision happened at turn two at the start of lap 11, with Alejandro Carrion, Daniel Mogeda, Harry Khouri and Yeray Ruiz the other riders involved.
The race was immediately red flagged and all of Saturday's action cancelled.
Vinales, cousin of MotoGP race winner Maverick Vinales, suffered severe head and spinal injuries.
Two hours after the crash, World Superbike (WorldSBK) announced in a statement that the young star had passed away.
"The rider suffered severe head and thoracic injuries," read the statement.
"Medical vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to on track, in the ambulance and at the circuit Medical Centre.
"Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff, the Medical Centre has announced that Berta Vinales has sadly succumbed to his injuries."
On social media, WorldSBK paid an emotional tribute.
"We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of Dean Berta Vinales," they tweeted.
"The #WorldSBK family sends love to his family, loved ones, and his team. Your personality, enthusiasm, and commitment will be hugely missed. The whole motorcycle racing world will miss you, Dean. Ride in Peace."
Vinales was impressing in his maiden season in WorldSSP300 on a Yamaha this year, riding for the family-run Vinales Racing.
He had notched a best finish of fourth in the second race at Magny-Cours, France, last month and had qualified 10th on the grid for this weekend's WSBK races in his home country.
