A day out dirt biking has turned tragic for one teen and his family. 18-year-old Tyson Gortva from Mount Brydges died after he flipped over his handle bars.
He had been biking at a private property course in Zorra Township, and just before 1p.m. on Saturday emergency crews responded to a call at the track.
“He went to go over a ramp and speed was a little (too fast) so when he went to land he went over his handle bars,” said OPP officer Lisa Narancsik.
He was airlifted to a London Hospital, but died of his injuries.
While many tracks have rules, regulations and waivers in place, experts say this is still an extreme sport and accidents can happen.
Frank Schusteris the owner and operator of Gopher Dunes motocross track. He says Tyson visited sometimes, and says the loss is tragic.
“We're a tight family. Extreme sports are something we are involved in and the motorcycle community is a small group. We are a family so every time we hear something like that is affects us all,” Schuster said.
Other riders agree.
“It's pretty crazy to think (about), because every time we are out there we risk our lives and anything can happen at any time,” said Tyler Reiner.
Tyson's family said in a statement to CTV that, “Tyson was well loved by both his family and many friends. He found pleasure and joy in everything he did and it rubbed off on everyone around him. Tyson had a positive influence on anyone he came into contact with. He will be greatly missed.”
