Pembina Dirt Riders Association statement:
“We are sorry to announce that the numb bum race was cancelled last night by unanimous decision of the PDRA and AEIRA due to a very severe injury of a rider in a single motorcycle accident. The rider was attended to by EMT personnel within minutes and transported to the hospital by stars air ambulance. The rider is fighting very hard right now at the hospital. We will advise everyone as soon as we know more and will do everything we can for his family, riding team, friends and the racing community. Please join us in our thoughts and prayers for the family in this time of need and we will update everyone as soon as we hear any news.
Update February 15/15 11:54 p.m.
We are deeply saddened to inform everyone that Troy Ritchie passed away this evening due to his accident yesterday at the numb bum ice race. Troy left us doing what he loved, was leading the race and will always remain first place in our hearts.
Update February 16/15 10:30 p.m.
We have truly been taken back by all the heartfelt messages and support that have come in for Troy and his family from this caring community. PDRA has been in touch with friends of the Ritchie family & Team Shrinkage with respect to setting up a fundraiser for Troy’s family. We have hats, tuques and photos from the race that will also be available by donation. Please hang tight while we work out the details, information will be up soon.
Update February 18/15 8:00 a.m.
A fund has been set up for Troy’s family through GoFundMe as an easy way for those in the community who would like to donate in the wake of their loss. For those who would prefer to donate through their bank a trust account is being set up through ATB Financial and will be available later today.
Thanks so much everyone.
http://www.gofundme.com/RitchieFamily
Update February 18/15 9:00 a.m.
Troy’s family have sent this message for us to share with everyone.
“We, Troy’s family, would like to extend our gratitude to the Pembina Dirt Riders Association for their respectful posts concerning the nightmare that has descended on our family. Your words echo our feelings of Troy being “first place in our hearts” and he will remain there forever for us. We too have been taken back by all the heartfelt messages and support from everyone. We would like you all to know that each kind, sincere message means so much to us. We are having a very hard time trying to process this horrific loss and we all keep coming back to read your kind words and find comfort in the knowledge that our fantastic husband and father touched so many people and had the respect of those who had the chance to meet him. He was our rock, the most loving, amazing father and husband a family could have. Forever we will remain a family of four as he will never leave our hearts.”
-Carolyn, Alisha and Sarah
Update February 20/15 7:35 p.m.
The Ritchie family have sent this message in for us to share with you.
“The girls and I feel overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity from all of you that share in our grief. We are deeply moved by the kindness of your support and our hearts are touched by the deep connection Troy had with so many people.”
Thank you everyeone for your continued show of support. Troy’s obituary can be found on the http://www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca site. Due to the extreme shock of this tragic accident and sudden death, a memorial will be held when Troy’s family is ready.