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‘Beyond sad’: Tragedy strikes again for family of killed Superbikes racer

There has been more heartbreak for the family of a rising star Superbikes rider who was tragically killed in a horror crash.

Victor Steeman killed at 22
Victor Steeman killed at 22

Victor Steeman’s mum has died just two days after her World Superbikes star son tragically died.

Flora van Limbeek, 59, suffered a cardiac arrest at home in the Netherlands, according to Race Sport.

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Steeman tragically died aged just 22 due to a horrific multi-car crash at the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 in Portugal.

His death has devastated the global motorsport community, The Sun reports, and the tragedy has been infinitely compounded by the death of his mum.

He was one of the sport’s rising stars and was in the midst of a fantastic season, in the hunt to win the World Championships.

The Dutchman picked up four wins and five podiums this campaign.

His mother was his biggest fan and her heart attack comes just two days after Steeman’s death.

He died when he was involved in an awful crash on Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

Steeman was immediately airlifted to hospital with the race red flagged.

Victor Steeman killed at 22
Victor Steeman killed at 22

He was taken to Faro Hospital with serious head injuries, where he later passed away.

Soon after his death a family statement read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race.

“Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs.

“We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”

Steeman was in the midst of a brilliant campaign, picking up four wins and five podiums.

His performances saw him still in the hunt to win the World Championship.

Plenty of tributes have been paid to Steeman.

WorldSBK wrote on social media: “We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman.

“The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce racer and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever.

“Ride in Peace, Victor.”

MotoGP added: “It’s with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of WorldSSP 300 rider Victor Steeman.

“All within the MotoGP family send our condolences to the family, friends and team of Victor at this difficult time.

“Ride in Peace, Victor.”

Rider Glenn Irwin wrote: “Rest in peace Victor Steeman. Taken way too soon.”

While Iker Lecuona added: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances, as well as @victorsteeman’s team, we will remember you.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/moto-gp/beyond-sad-tragedy-strikes-again-for-family-of-killed-superbikes-racer/news-story/189f970db486ef33449be1e220b3ee5e