Polish motorcyclist dies in Dakar Rally

Michał Hernik, 39-year old participant of the Dakar Rally was found dead during the third stage of the competition, 14 kilometers away from the finish line. His body was discovered 300 meters off the main route. He did not have his helmet on. At 3:53 pm local time, organizers lost his signal and launched a search operation. His body was discovered 40 minutes later. The cause of Hernik’s death remains unknown but there were no external signs of a crash or accident. It was his debut at the Dakar Rally, previously he competed in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2014 and the Morocco Rally in 2013. Polish competitor’s life was the fifth Dakar Rally claimed since it has been moved to South America in 2009 and the 24th since it was launched in 1972.