One-armed Alberto 'Wey' Zapata dies after horror motocross crash
By Andrew Hill on 9th Apr 21
The South American motocross community has suffered a tragic blow with the death of Alberto 'Wey' Zapata at a local motocross event. The moto hero is a multi-time champion who sadly lost his arm in a car accident but defied the odds to return to the track and the podium.
Zapata crashed mid-race in Cordoba, Argentina and was triadically struck on the head by two other competitors bikes, reports say.
The 23-year-old talented Argentinian had previously won the national motocross championship three times as well as a supercross series in Peru.
But it was his recovery from a car accident in November last year where he suffered the amputation of his left arm and then his subsequent heroic return to motocross that captured the hearts of the moto community.
Within months he returned to the sport he loved racing dirt bikes and fighting for podiums once more.
His social media account has been flooded with condolences.
The local governor Sergio Unac offered his sympathy. "I am totally heartbroken by the sad news of the death of Wey Zapata," he said. "My condolences to his family and friends at this sad moment in time.
"Rest in peace warrior. In San Juan, we will remember you as a great sportsman and an enormous fighter."
An unedited video of the crash was initially shared online but thankfully removed.
Ride in peace Wey a true champion of the sport.
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