Fatality Cancels Colorado EWS

The racing at the EWS stop in Crested Butte turned tragic on Saturday. According to a Mt. Crested Butte Police Department press release, William Dean Olsen, 40, of Edwards Colorado, crashed during stage 3 on Trail 400, Star Pass near the Block and Tackle Trail. Competitors that started the stage behind him and caught up tried to resuscitate him until emergency personnel arrived, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Unconfirmed reports indicate that he suffered a fatal chest injury.

As a result of the accident, race organizers stopped the event and decided to cancel EWS Round 5.

Below is the official statement from the Enduro World Series:

It is with the deepest regret that Big Mountain Enduro and the Enduro World Series announce that there was a serious accident during Stage 3, the first stage of Saturday’s race, resulting in the fatality of a competitor. The rider’s family has been informed and the competitor’s identity will be released in due course.

Emergency personnel immediately arrived at the scene. The competitor was treated on scene by medical personnel and transported to the nearest roadway. The Gunnison County medical examiner confirmed the fatality.

With respect for the rider and their family, this round of the Enduro World Series competition has been cancelled. Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to the rider’s family.

Everyone’s thoughts at NSMB are with the fallen rider’s family and friends.