Snowmobiler Caleb Moore dies following horrific crash at 2013 X-Games

Snowmobiler Caleb Moore has tragically passed away a week after sustaining a number of injuries on a horrific crash at the 2013 X-Games. He was only 25 years old.

It was the first death in the history of the extreme sports showcase.

“We are deeply saddened by Caleb Moore’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Wade and Michelle, his brother, Colten, and the entire Moore family,” ESPN said in a statement released Thursday. “He will be remembered for his natural passion for life and his deep love for his family and friends, and he will always be an inspiration to everyone he touched in the action sports community.”

The Krum, Texas native had been racing all-terrain vehicles his entire life before trying out snowmobiling for the first time only four years ago.

On Jan. 24, the young man was initially diagnosed with a severe concussion and airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. However, Moore’s condition continued to deteriorate with what a spokesperson for the family called a “brain complication”.

His younger brother, Colten, also competed in the event, and was also injured, separating his pelvis.

Moore’s death and the slew of injuries raise obvious questions regarding the safety of the sport itself.

ESPN added that it would conduct a thorough review of the safety of all sports involved in the X-Games. However, it was also quick to point out what even the riders themselves will admit, and that is the fact that, at the end of the day, it is very difficult to make big air snowmobiling any safer.

“Still, when the world’s best compete at the highest level in any sport, risks remain,” the statement said. “Caleb was a four-time X Games medalist attempting a move he has landed several times previously.”

This is the footage of the crash itself. Obviously, if you feel uncomfortable, please do not by any means watch it.

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