Dirt Biker Falls During Race, Dies At Hospital

WILMINGTON, IL — A Mazon man fell from his dirt bike during a Friday night race and was later pronounced deceased in the Presence St. Joseph Medical Center emergency room.

Kenneth Vande Velde, 45, died shortly before 9:30 p.m. Friday. An autopsy performed Saturday revealed no injuries to his body but did show Vande Velde suffered from a heart condition, according to the Will County Coroner’s Office.

Vande Velde was racing at Joliet Motorsports in Wilmington, the coroner’s office said. Joliet Motorsports was hosting round 2 of the Arsenal Series, according to the track’s website.

The Wilmington Police Department is investigating Vande Velde’s death.

image via Patch archive