Second News Flash for June 18, 2003RAAM Competitor killedThe Race Across America (RAAM) suffered a terrible blow early Wednesday morning as racer Brett Malin was struck and killed by a truck along US route 60 in New Mexico. The accident, which happened at around 2:30am EST, marks the first fatality in the race's 21 year history. Malin, a member of four-person Team Vail-Go Fast, reportedly was struck by the truck as it attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, which was deemed an accident. Race Across America director Jim Pitre said the race will continue. "This is a tragedy of the highest order," Pitre said. "RAAM sends our deepest condolences to the family of this young man. Every care is brought to bear to keep racers as safe as possible during RAAM. More information will certainly follow, but right now we're here to make sure the immediate family is notified, and that Team Vail and its crew knows they have our continuing support." Brett Malin, a road cyclist from Vail, Colorado, was 30 years old. (All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2003) |