Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden has died aged 35, five days after being involved in a crash while cycling.
The 2006 MotoGP championship winner had been in the intensive care unit of Cesena's Maurizio Bufalini Hospital. The American suffered "serious cerebral damage" after colliding with a car on the Rimini coastline in Italy on Wednesday, 17 May.
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Older brother Tommy, who was also a motorcycle racer, said the family had many "great and happy memories" of Hayden.
"We would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle," his brother Tommy said.
"He dreamed as a kid of being a pro-rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport," he said.
"We are all so proud of that. We will all miss him terribly."
A hospital statement issued on Thursday said Hayden had suffered "a serious polytrauma", which is a medical term to describe the condition of a person who has multiple traumatic injuries.
Hayden, who was nicknamed the Kentucky Kid, had competed for Red Bull Honda in the World Superbike Championship in Italy on 14 May.
Red Bull Honda World Superbike said that the racing world had said goodbye to "one of its dearest sons."
"The 'Kentucky Kid' will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt," a statement read.
The 2006 MotoGP championship winner had been in the intensive care unit of Cesena's Maurizio Bufalini Hospital. The American suffered "serious cerebral damage" after colliding with a car on the Rimini coastline in Italy on Wednesday, 17 May.
Older brother Tommy, who was also a motorcycle racer, said the family had many "great and happy memories" of Hayden.
"We would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle," his brother Tommy said.
"He dreamed as a kid of being a pro-rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport," he said.
"We are all so proud of that. We will all miss him terribly."
A hospital statement issued on Thursday said Hayden had suffered "a serious polytrauma", which is a medical term to describe the condition of a person who has multiple traumatic injuries.
Hayden, who was nicknamed the Kentucky Kid, had competed for Red Bull Honda in the World Superbike Championship in Italy on 14 May.
Red Bull Honda World Superbike said that the racing world had said goodbye to "one of its dearest sons."
"The 'Kentucky Kid' will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt," a statement read.
Just heart breaking. Nicky was more than just a true hero in my eyes. I send my love from deep inside my heart. R.I.P Kentucky Kid #69💐❤️— ReddingPower (@Reddingpower) May 22, 2017
So sad. Rest In Peace Nicky... pic.twitter.com/vVqXFMTs6D— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) May 22, 2017
Thankful for the time that I was privileged to know you! #RIPNickyHayden#Legend Pray for his family during this time🙏 We'll miss you mate! pic.twitter.com/oV40J7ykTE— Casey Stoner (@Official_CS27) May 22, 2017
Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69 pic.twitter.com/ML35Qm7f1g— Dani Pedrosa (@26_DaniPedrosa) May 22, 2017
A beautiful person, genuine and real.— Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) May 22, 2017
RIP mate. pic.twitter.com/UiDwzhe67N
So sad. I can't believe how life can be so cruel. All my condolence to Nicky's family and friends. #RIPNickyHaydenpic.twitter.com/CQYg6v8FxT— Jorge Lorenzo (@lorenzo99) May 22, 2017
We adored him, impossible not to. The coolest person I've had the pleasure to know. All love to his family & Jackie. God bless #NickyHaydenpic.twitter.com/T5MHoUCAw3— Suzi Perry (@suziperry) May 22, 2017
How can this be real? Devastated. RIP Nicky Hayden, sincerely one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure to meet. 🙏🏻— Matthew Roberts (@matt77roberts) May 22, 2017
Nicest guy in the paddock! So so sad😔 always in our hearts❤️ RIP Nicky xx pic.twitter.com/r2iqvGuDrQ— Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) May 22, 2017