Mountain biker dies from 'serious' crash at national competition in Henderson County

A mountain biker died after a serious crash Aug. 4 at the 2024 Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships in Henderson County.

Scott Huntley was competing in a downhill race at the national competition hosted by Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia when he crashed, according to a post on USA Cycling's website.

Ride Rock Creek, a 300-acre downhill mountain biking park adjacent to DuPont State Recreational Forest, posted on Facebook that event medical staff immediately attended to Huntley on the course. He was then taken to a nearby hospital, but died from his injuries later that evening, according to USA Cycling's website.

The biking park and USA Cycling offered condolences to Huntley's family, friends and fellow racers "during this incredibly difficult time."

"We stand with you in your grief and will continue to offer our support in every way we can. Scott’s passion and spirit will always be remembered in our rider family," Ride Rock Creek's post said.

"Let’s all ride in memory of Scott."

Maxxis Eastern States Cup, which hosts mountain bike racing series in several East Coast states, posted on social media that the group retired Hentley's plate No. 401 "as a tribute to one of the best to ever do it."

"A friend to all, an always positive energy, and forever a part of our hearts," the post said.

"Scott was the ultimate competitor, and yet still, he’d make time to help anyone who needed it. His smile and attitude were contagious, his humor always on point and his love for the sport will all be missed dearly."

At 4:01 p.m. Aug. 10, Eastern Estates Cup is holding a "memorial train ride" down the course at Mountain Snow DH in Vermont followed by a moment of silence and an open mike for participants to share their thoughts.

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This story will be updated.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Mountain biker dies from 'serious' crash at national competition in Henderson County