Local & Community
Marty Smith, Legendary Motocross Rider, Dies in Imperial Dunes Off-Road Accident
Marty Smith, a prolific motocross rider known for winning 18 career national motocross titles, has died.
He was 63.
Smith and his wife Nancy were both killed in a dune buggy accident in the California desert on Monday, close friend Lee Ramage confirmed to CNN.
Ramage and wife Tammi were in the buggy with Smith, riding through the Imperial Sand Dunes in California, when the vehicle rolled over. Both Ramage and Tammi were unhurt.
They stayed with the Smiths in their last hour while the first responders arrived, he wrote in a Facebook post.
“He was my best friend and I did all I could to save them,” Ramage told CNN over the phone. “It breaks my heart to know I couldn’t save them.”
Smith came into prominence during the 1970s, winning three national titles — the 1974 and 1975 AMA 125cc and the 1977 AMA 500cc motocross championships. After retiring from racing in 1981, Smith was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000, according to the AMA.
Many posted their condolences upon hearing about Smith’s death.
Scott Champion, a current motocross racer, wrote on Instagram that he was shocked to hear the news.
“I’ll never forget Marty approaching me in 2013 & believing in me when not many did,” he said. “Working with Marty in 2014 & 2015 were some of the best times of my life that I will never forget! You will be missed by many my friend!”
JT Racing, a motocross clothing brand, also paid tribute.
“We are devastated by the passing today of motocross legend, Marty Smith and his wife Nancy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire motocross community,” the company wrote.
Marty and Nancy are survived by their three children and grandchildren, according to Ramage.
The-CNN-Wire
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 28, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
It’s time for Season 5!! Fuego stopped by the studio today with a message! Coachella Valley Firebirds season opener this Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. — tickets at CVFIREBIRDS.COM
Guess we are not the only ones asking about money in the Desert Recreation District! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
8 years lated and $30 MILLION higher … Should the state order an independent audit? Drop a 💬 if you want answers! #cvusd #coachellavalley #audit #therogginreport #nbcpalmsprings
Data centers on pause. ✋ Palm Springs City Council unanimously extended it’s moratorium through August 25, 2028, giving the city time to set zoning rules. What do you think of the decision? 🌴
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
About 650,000 ballots and election materials are back with Riverside County election officials after the California Supreme Court ruled their seizure violated state election law. The materials remain under the registrar’s control as officials determine next steps.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you get excited or stressed about the upcoming holiday season (or both) ?
BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com
NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager