Cycle News Staff | July 5, 2011
Josh Lichtle, one of the most promising young racers to graduate from the amateur ranks in 2005, passed away early Monday morning after having suffered a heat stroke while competing at this weekend’s Lucas Oil/AMA Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud in Bucahanan, Michigan.Lichtle, who was trying to make comeback from an injury suffered in 2006, collapsed while reportedly trying to restart his bike after having fallen on the last lap of the first 450-class moto.
The 23-year-old had also fallen earlier in the race and was trying to make up as many positions on the track as possible in the 90-plus degree heat, but it was the high humidity that made it feel much hotter.
The privateer was treated at the track and taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.Lichtle made his Pro debut at the Hangtown National in 2005.