Caleb Moore dies from injuries sustained in Winter X Games crash in Aspen

Caleb Moore

Snowmobile star Caleb Moore died Thursday morning from injuries he sustained in a brutal crash at the ESPN Winter X Games in Aspen last week. He was 26.

"He will be truly missed and never forgotten," his family said in a prepared statement. "The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all the prayers and support they have received from all the fans, friends and family around the world that Caleb has inspired."

Moore wrecked his Polaris snowmobile at the ESPN Winter X Games, when he under rotated and caught the sled's skis on the lip of his planned landing spot. The 450-pound machine collided with Moore as he tumbled down the mountain. He laid still for some time before he was able to walk off the course, with assistance, and was taken to Aspen Valley Hospital to treat concussion-like symptoms. Doctors there discovered bleeding around his heart and he was then flown to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction where he is in critical condition. After undergoing emergency heart surgery doctors discovered a secondary complication involving his brain.

"We are deeply saddened by Caleb Moore's passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Wade and Michelle, his brother, Colten, and the entire Moore family," ESPN, which hosts the X Games, said in a prepared statement. "He will be remembered for his natural passion for life and his deep love for his family and friends, and he will always be an inspiration to everyone he touched in the action sports community.

"As a result of this accident we will conduct a thorough review of this discipline and adopt any appropriate changes to future X Games," ESPN said. "For 18 years we have worked closely on safety issues with athletes, course designers and other experts. Still, when the world's best compete at the highest level in any sport, risks remain. Caleb was a four-time X Games medalist attempting a move he has landed several times previously."

This is the first casualty in the history of X Games.