Carles Falcón could not overcome the terrible consequences of his accident on the second stage of the season. Dakar and the Twin Trail team announced his death this Monday. The 45-year-old Catalan driver crashed at the 448th kilometer of the second special race and was resuscitated ‘on the spot’, transferred to Riyadh hospital and remained in a coma in the intensive care unit until he was sent back to Spain. He was in critical condition three days ago.
Cerebral edema caused Saudi doctors to postpone emergency surgery on the C2 vertebra. Fractures to five ribs, clavicle and left wrist were also confirmed. After his return to Spain, nothing could be done to save his life. As explained in the team’s statement, it confirms that “the neurological damage caused by cardiorespiratory arrest during the accident is irreversible.”
The team’s statement includes the following statements:
“On Monday, January 15, Carles left us. The medical team confirmed that the neurological damage caused by cardio-respiratory arrest at the time of the accident was irreversible.
Carles was a friendly, always active person who passionately enjoyed everything he did, especially motorcycles. He left us doing one of his dreams, racing in the Dakar. I was enjoying it, I was happy on the motorcycle. We should remember him with his smile and the happiness he created in everyone.
Computer engineer by training. Motorcycle instructor and passionate motorcycle travel guide. There are many people learning alongside him. He taught with patience, energy and happiness, and made everyone enjoy motorcycles. This is what he left us, and all of us who were close to him, his family, friends, colleagues and supporters, will always keep him with us.
We ask the family and team to maintain the privacy of the farewell events that will take place in the coming days.
Thank you for your understanding”.