The accomplished and well-loved mountain biker Kelly McGarry collapsed while biking on a Queenstown trail on Monday. The Kiwi biker, who inspired fans with massive backflips, died shortly thereafter. He was 33.
Hailing from Nelson, New Zealand, McGarry was riding the Fernhill Loop Track. During an uphill section, he endured cardiac arrest.
In 2013, McGarry placed second in the Red Bull Rampage mountain biking competition.
Authorities were alerted, and two paramedics flew to McGarry's location, which was a 45-minute walk from the top of the Skyline Gondola.
"[I]t is a fairly remote area only accessed by helicopter," said St. John Central Lakes territory manager Kelvin Perriman, according to the Otaga Daily Times, a local media outlet.
"[We] are petrified, shocked and heartbroken about losing one of our family members," said the crew of YT, one of McGarry's sponsors, in a statement. "Kelly was a warm-hearted, friendly and relaxed guy. He stood for the true essence of mountain biking through every aspect of his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, girlfriend and his friends. The mountain bike world lost an exceptional character."
Fraser Gordon, member of the Queenstown Mountainbike Club said that McGarry was riding with a few of his sponsor reps.
"We understand he was riding uphill and suffered cardiac arrest. He is an extreme mountain biker so everyone is presuming he fell but that is incorrect," said Gordon, according to Stuff.
