Spanish rider Carles Falcon has succumbed to injuries sustained while racing in the 2024 Dakar Rally.

The 45-year-old suffered a heavy fall 448km into Stage 2 from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi on January 7. He was then airlifted to a nearby hospital in Al Duwadimi, before being taken to a hospital in Riyadh. He was repatriated to Spain a few days later for further treatment after being placed in an induced coma. Reports indicate he suffered swelling of the brain due to a fractured C2 vertebra, along with more injuries to his ribs, wrist and collarbone.

This was Falcon’s second go at the Dakar Rally; he’d earlier competed in the 2022 edition, where he finished 68th overall. 

“The medical team has confirmed the neurological damage caused by cardiovascular arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible,” Falcon’s team TwinTrail Racing confirmed in a statement posted online.  “Carles was a smiling, always active person, who enjoyed with passion everything he did, especially motorcycles. He's left us doing something that was his dream, running the Dakar. He was enjoying, he was happy on the bike. We must remember him for his smile and for the happiness he created in everyone."

The statement further added: “Computer Engineer in training, motorcycle instructor and motorcycle tour guide by passion. There are many who have learned by his side. He taught with patience, energy and happiness, made everyone enjoy the bike. This is what he has left us and we will always keep with us - all of us who have been close to him, family, friends, teammates and supporters.”