Doriano Romboni died on Saturday in Italy while practicing for a charity SuperMoto event. He crashed during the session and was subsequently struck by another rider. He was 44 years old.

The event Romboni was practicing for was in honor of the late MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli. Despite Romboni’s passing, the race will still go on. Initially cancelled, some of the race’s proceeds will now benefit Romboni’s family.

A father of three, Romboni was a six-time Grand Prix champion from 1990 to 1995 in the 125cc and 250cc classes. His death actually mirrors that of Marco Simoncelli, who lost his life in a crash at the age of 24. He died after colliding with American rider Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi from Italy, during the Malaysian Grand Prix back in 2011.

Twitter fans mourned the racer’s death.

Dariano Romboni #RIP

— Andy Johnson (@the_kwakaman) December 1, 2013

RIP Doriano Romboni. Never good to hear another one of has past. Best wishes to his family and friends.

— Casey Stoner (@Official_CS27) December 1, 2013

People are likely wondering why, after people die while participating in such sports, that others continue to participate. There is something to be said for the thrill of speed. Even though many have died in pursuit of the ultimate speed, their predecessors continue to race.

Condolences are no doubt going out to Doriano Romboni’s family from fans around the world. HIs legacy will live on in the records he set and the races he won.

Image via Wikimedia