It's being reported by Sport24 that South African mountain biker Burry Stander has been killed while training at Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast in South Africa on Thursday. Reports indicate that Stander, 25, was killed after being hit by a taxi.


American race fans saw Burry at the annual Sea Otter Classic.


Burry at the Sea Otter Classic leading Geoff Kabush and Todd Wells.

Click here for Specialized's photo tribute to Burry.
Click here for the story from Fox Sports.
Click here for the story from the Washington Post.

This official statement from Specialized Bicycles came to us at just after 12pm today:

It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to our friend and cycling legend Burry, who was tragically snatched away in the prime of his life while training in his home town of Kwazulu-Natal this afternoon.
 
We have lost not only a friend, colleague and team-mate, but a true sportsman. He will long be remembered for his humility, his prowess and the gentle manner in which he conducted his life!
 
Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Cherise, his parents, family and all who were privileged to know this gentle giant.
 
Life is short, life is sweet but his legend will live on forever...
Sincere condolences to all.
 
David Hyam and the Specialized S-Racing Team