The USGP meeting at Indianapolis was overshadowed by the tragic death of 13 year old Peter Lenz. Peter, by all reports a likeable youth and headed for great things, died when he was hit by another bike while trying to regain the circuit. He had slipped off the track and was apparently collected by another bike at speed. He was transported to the trauma centre in a critical condition and declared deceased soon after. Peter was competing in the support race for 13-16 year olds, riding one of the Moriwaki MDH250 single cylinder bikes.
Such are the bald facts of the matter, but, behind them is a world of pain and hurt for his family, his friends, and the sport.
I never knew Peter, of course, but I knew OF him, his cause having been actively championed by many members of some of the O/S-based forums I inhabit. Many members of these forums are men whose opinion I greatly respect and, from personal experience, they have spoken highly of this young man’s talent and dedication.
So what DO you say when one of the brightest and best of his generation is suddenly taken from us? Well, it must be said that every death is a tragedy, regardless of age, race, creed or colour. In Pakistan at the moment, thousands of families are seeking to come to terms with the same sort of grief, so the death of one person should hardly raise a ripple. Yet it does, because, as a motorcyclist, Peter’s death DOES touch us because we shared his passion and his joy at what riding can do for the spirit and the soul.
What I CANNOT bring myself to say is what is so often said in this situation, “At least he died doing what he loved.” As if that is any consolation to his family, to his friends, or to his extended family of friends. Because, you see, there IS no consolation when someone is taken from us. Each of us deal with the loss in different ways, but HOW the person died becomes completely irrelevant. It is the fact that he IS gone that is the issue.
In a similar way we, too, have experienced this of late with the deaths of Judd Greedy, Andrew McFarlane and Andi Caldicott. Each of them died while competing, but the fact that they did so is no consolation to anyone. They are gone and we are left to deal, in whatever way we can, with the yawning gap that they have left in out lives.
Condolences to Peter’s family, friends and acquaintances and to those who never knew him but followed his career. A bright star has been extinguished before its time. Farewell, young man, I hope you are in a peaceful place.
