14-year-old dies in crash at southern Illinois motorcycle race

A 14-year-old Florida girl died after an on-track incident early Monday during the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in southern Illinois, the American Motorcyclist Association said.

The rider was identified as Alyssa Kruppenbacker of Crescent City, Florida, one of hundreds of competitors from around the country at the weeklong amateur national championship. The AMA said the crash happened during the Mile program and that Kruppenbacker later died.

First responders were called to the racetrack shortly after midnight for a report of a female with traumatic injuries, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Air medical assistance was requested as crews worked at the track.

The AMA said it was “saddened and heartbroken” by Kruppenbacker’s death and offered condolences to her family and the flat track racing community.

Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances of the crash.