Vale Nicky Hayden

American road racing star Nicky Hayden has passed away after a bicycle crash in Italy on Wednesday, May 17.

Hayden succumbed to his injuries just after 3:00am AEST this morning at the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy, with fiancé Jackie, mum Rose and brother Tommy by his side. Hayden was 35 years old.

A statement released by Hayden's world superbike team announced the devastating news, which included the following words from Tommy:

“On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way.

“Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming world champion. We are all so proud of that.

“Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly.

“It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.”

Hayden was a three-time MotoGP race winner, and his crowning glory in the premier class came in 2006 when he won the championship ahead of Valentino Rossi.

He joined the WorldSBK title in 2016 with Honda, and won his one and only race at Sepang en route to fifth in the championship. This season had been a tough one for the garrulous 'Kentucky Kid' as he and teammate Stefan Bradl struggled with the all-new CBR1000RR SP2.

Despite the difficulties, Hayden was determined to turn his fortunes around, and more importantly his demeanour didn't change: he remained the easy-going, likeable, upbeat, magnanimous and affable person he always had, which has not only endeared him to the global motorcycle racing audience during his pro career but his teammates as well – a rare attribute.

Hayden will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt.

Rest in peace Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Patrick Hayden.