Share

Mystery death clouds Dakar Rally

Chilecito - Dakar Rally organisers on Wednesday hunted for clues to the cause of the death of motorbike rider Michal Hernik that plunged the race into mourning after only three days.

The 39-year-old Polish rider's body was found 300 metres from the desert track with no apparent injury and no damage to his motorbike that would indicate an accident, according to race director Etienne Lavigne.

Lavigne added that there was no helmet on Hernik when the body was found.

"The circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be determined, as the competitor did not show any external signs of an accident," said a rally statement.

Organisers sent a helicopter to look for Henrik after he failed to arrive at the finish line of Tuesday's stage between the Argentinian towns of Villa Carlos Paz and Chilecito. His satellite tracker had stopped sending signals.

The Pole was taking part in the Dakar Rally for the first time.

His was the fifth death since the rally was moved to South America in 2009 over security concerns in the Sahara region and the 24th since the race was created in 1979.

Dakar Rally deaths since 2009:

2009 - Pascal Terry
2012 - Jorge Andres Martínez Boero
2013 - Thomas Bourgin
2014 - Eric Palante
2015 - Michal Hernik

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2243 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE