Following Thursday’s announcement that Chad Young was ‘not expected to recover’ from a crash at the Tour of the Gila last Sunday, his Axeon Hagens Berman team has now said that the 21 year old has passed away.
The tragic news was communicated via a team statement and on social media.
“I am very sorry to let everyone know that Chad Young did not survive his crash last Sunday,” stated the team’s General Manager Axel Merckx. “He passed away Friday evening, surrounded by his family.
“We lost a friend, a teammate and a family member. I have no words that can express my pain over this loss. I can only say that I am very thankful to have known him and that I feel privileged to have been able to share in his passion for cycling.”
The Newmarket, New Hampshire rider crashed on a descent while chasing an early 18-man breakaway along with teammate Michael Rice. Several riders went down in the crash, including his teammate Edward Anderson. The latter suffered only minor injuries, but Young suffered severe head injuries.
He was airlifted to hospital in Tucson, Arizona. Although he was said to be in a “stable condition” the following day, his situation deteriorated. His team described him as being in critical condition on Wednesday and, sadly, he passed away two days later.
Merckx said he appreciated the reaction from people since the crash.
“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support over the past few days. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
CyclingTips expresses its condolences to Chad Young’s family, friends and colleagues.
Condolences to the family of Chad Young, who passed away last night! Our thoughts go out to his loved ones and the Axeon Hagens Berman team.
— Quick-Step Cycling (@quickstepteam) April 29, 2017
Very sad story… our condolences go out to the Young family, friends and team. Rest in Peace Chad. https://t.co/XBVlni1ygw
— Team Dimension Data (@TeamDiData) April 29, 2017
Our hearts go out to the Young family and to @axeonhb team. Rest in peace, Chad Young. https://t.co/eXivEAIkIK
— Cannondale-Drapac (@Ride_Argyle) April 29, 2017
Rest In Peace, @chadwyoung
— Jonathan Vaughters (@Vaughters) April 29, 2017
We lost another one of our cycling family. ???? Our thoughts go out to family, friends, and the entire @axeonhb team. RIP Chad Young https://t.co/s51wXlY0wa
— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) April 29, 2017
Very sad to hear the news about Chad Young. Cycling is one big family. Thinking of his family and @axeonhb
— CORSO (@CORSOsports) April 29, 2017
I never got to meet @chadwyoung but it fills me with sadness thinking how he lost his life racing his bike. I can’t quite comprehend it. RIP
— Koen de Kort (@koendekort) April 29, 2017
RIP @chadwyoung, our time together was brief in the grand scheme of life but a pleasure. You followed your dreams and you LIVED!
— Michael Sayers (@Mickeyhavoc) April 29, 2017
Yet another -young- man left us.. RIP Chad ! https://t.co/geCUBnDQfc
— Jasper Stuyven (@Jasperstuyven) April 29, 2017
We are devastated by this news & send our sincere condolences to his family, friends,& teammates. @AxeonHB #Gila2017 https://t.co/vOfhtEaZdK pic.twitter.com/NQVDUuLA6e
— Tour of the Gila (@TouroftheGila) April 29, 2017
Rest In Peace, Chad Young. Our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, & teammates. https://t.co/Zgh0HE21XC
— Redlands Classic ???? (@redlandsClassic) April 29, 2017
Prayers today for the family of Chad Young, his team, and for @axelmerckx – who has done so much to develop so many talented young riders.
— Dan Wuori (@dwuori) April 29, 2017
So sad. RIP Chad. https://t.co/RXBQnXmL63
— Greg Henderson (@Greghenderson1) April 29, 2017
Such sad news. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Chad Young. RIP https://t.co/k3B6RxaXZR
— ORICA-SCOTT (@OricaScott) April 29, 2017
All thoughts go out to Chad’s Family and friends at this time, don’t expect to go racing & not come back. Life is a very precious thing. https://t.co/gNfFB10Hij
— Craig Hardie (@CraigHardie) April 29, 2017
Incredibly sad news. To Chad’s family, his teammates and the extended @axeonhb family our sincere condolences. https://t.co/nwFmEnsbXB
— Joao Correia (@joaoisme) April 29, 2017
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Chad Young and his @axeonhb team. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. https://t.co/DXHqgKlenM
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) April 29, 2017
Rest In Peace Chad. It was a pleasure to have spent some of your final moments in that break with you. You won’t be forgotten. #belikechad
— Joe Lewis (@JoeLewis1989) April 29, 2017
Another family hit by tragedy. ???? RIP Chad Young. https://t.co/FZc1OpJIfB
— Elke Weylandt (@elkeweylandt) April 29, 2017
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