Rutland teen killed in crash during motocross race in Southwick
SOUTHWICK — A 17-year-old motorcyclist from Rutland, whose enthusiasm for motocross racing is described by family members as being “infectious,” lost his life when the bike he was riding hit a tree.
Noah DuPont died at the the Wick 338 motocross racing facility Sunday.
He was participating in the Southwick 1 GP J Day Off Road event.
"It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the unfortunate and untimely passing of a fellow rider, Noah DuPont,” reads a GoFundMe page created by Ethan Broatch of J Day. “While racing, Noah, a C-250 rider, apparently lost control of his dirt bike and passed away at the scene.”
The crash remains under investigation.
DuPont was a student at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton.
“The young man lost control of his motorcycle in the woods section of the race,” said police Sgt. Thomas L. Krutka, adding that the victim was treated at the scene by Southwick Fire Department paramedics and later transported to Baystate Noble Hospital.
The J Day Offroad's event consists of three parts — a small motocross section, an extreme section and a woods section, Krutka said.
“It appears he may have had a mechanical issue,” Krutka continued. “He was wearing all the proper safety equipment. It really was a freak accident.”
Lisa Lange, who is DuPont’s aunt, also posted a GoFundMe account to help defray medical and funeral expenses.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we say good-bye to a young man who lived life at full throttle, embracing every moment with passion,” Lange wrote of her nephew. “Seventeen-year-old Noah's life ended far too soon, leaving behind a void that echoed with unfulfilled dreams and unfinished chapters.”
Lange said her nephew’s enthusiasm for racing was “infectious.
“Whether he was tearing up the track or simply discussing the intricacies of his beloved machines, his eyes sparkled with excitement that was contagious to all around him,” she posted.
Broatch posted on the J Day Offroad’s Facebook page that plans are being made for an annual memorial ride to be held at Southwick in DuPont’s honor.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Rutland teen killed in crash during motocross race in Southwick
