Slaw Dog
Vurbmoto is saddened to report the passing of 19-year-old Red Bull KTM MX2 rider Rene Hofer.
According to the team, Hofer and 10 friends were on a alpine skiing trip on Saturday, when they were caught by an avalanche. Rene and two of his friends did not survive the incident.
Hofer notched his first career MX2 Grand Prix win at the Grand Prix of Pietramurata this year and followed it with another moto win at the next race. His win marked the first GP win for a rider from Austria since Heinz Kinigadner in 1987.
Following that performance, Hofer won the MX2 overall at this year’s Motocross of Nations. The young Austrian finished sixth in this season’s MX2 standings.
This is a terrible loss for the motocross community. Rene, a multi-time junior champion and GP winner with a bright future in Grand Prix ahead of him, will be remembered not only for his talent on the track, but also for his approachable, fun-loving and friendly personality, along with his ever-present smile.
Everyone at Vurb has the Hofer family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
