Tragedy in motocross community as up-and-coming rider Aidan Zingg perishes at the age of 16, following a crash during a competition at Mammoth Lakes.
In the close-knit world of motocross, grief and shock have engulfed the community following the tragic loss of 16-year-old prodigy, Aidan Zingg. On June 28, 2025, during the 2025 Mammoth Motocross event in Mammoth Lakes, California, Aidan suffered a fatal accident that took his life, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loved.
The accident occurred during a 250cc B class race, a testament to Aidan's rapid ascent through the ranks. After signing with Team Green Kawasaki, he had shown immense promise, with Donn Maeda, a renowned motocross journalist, recalling Aidan as a standout rider from their first meeting.
Aidan's life was cut short when he went down in a corner during the race. Tragically, he was run over by multiple bikes, leaving him unconscious on the track for two laps before the race was red-flagged. Early reports suggest that he sustained fatal injuries, likely severe internal trauma such as a torn aorta or heart valve damage, leading to his death at the scene or shortly thereafter.
Aidan's achievements were numerous. He was the 2024 American Motorcyclist Assn. 2024 Amateur National Championship winner in Supermini 2 and had dominated the 65cc, 85cc, and Supermini classes. His sponsors included Oakley, Bell, Renthal, and Kawasaki.
The motocross community has rallied around Aidan's family, with emotional tributes pouring in from all corners. His older sister, Alex, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing her heartbreak and pride, saying that he was so incredible that God only needed him for 16 years. She conveyed her love for him and her struggle to imagine life without him.
Motocross journalist Donn Maeda offered his condolences, stating, "My heart goes out to the Zingg family. I can't even fathom what they're feeling. Rest easy, buddy." Kawasaki Racing also expressed their grief and remembered Aidan's dedication and kind demeanor.
Aidan's last social media post was made 10 days before his death, a poignant reminder of his bright future. Despite the tragedy, his legacy lives on, a testament to the risks and passion inherent in professional motocross racing.
| Detail | Information | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Victim | Aidan Zingg, age 16 | | Team | Team Green Kawasaki | | Event | 2025 Mammoth Motocross, Mammoth Lakes, CA | | Date of Accident | June 28, 2025 | | Accident Description | Went down in corner, run over by multiple bikes, unconscious on track for 2 laps | | Cause of Death | Fatal injuries, likely internal trauma (aorta/heart valve) | | Tributes | Emotional messages from family and motocross community, especially from sister and motocross journalist Donn Maeda | | Achievements | 2024 national motocross champion | | Early Life | Began racing in elementary school | | Sponsors | Oakley, Bell, Renthal, Kawasaki | | Notable Quote | "My heart goes out to the Zingg family. I can't even fathom what they're feeling. Rest easy, buddy" - Donn Maeda, motocross journalist |
This tragic incident underscores the risks involved in professional motocross racing and has led to an outpouring of grief and respect for Aidan Zingg's talent and spirit.
In the realm of professional sports outside motocross, the city of Los Angeles is home to two renowned teams: the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. California-based sports enthusiasts can also cheer for Aidan Zingg, a former Team Green Kawasaki motocross racer, whose life was taken too soon following a tragic accident at the 2025 Mammoth Motocross event in Mammoth Lakes, California. Despite his young age of 16, Aidan left an indelible mark on the motocross community, earning provincial titles and sponsorships from well-known brands like Oakley and Kawasaki.
