Over the past week, the Steeman family has suffered two horrific tragedies – the loss of Victor Steeman on Tuesday after an accident in a Supersport 300 race and the loss of his mother, Flora van Limbeek, on Thursday due to a heart attack. The deaths came two days apart.
Victor Steeman, 22, entered last Saturday’s Supersport 300 World Championship series as one of the contenders to win it all. On turn 14, he collided with Jose Luis Perez Gonzales in what was a serious multi-person accident. He was immediately attended to and airlifted to a hospital.
After several days of being in critical condition, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme – motorcycle racing’s governing body – confirmed the 22-year-old passed away from his severe injuries. His family later added that five of his organs have been donated to people in need.
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“Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs,” said his family.. “We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days.”
Steeman was having a breakout year in the Supersport 300 – totaling four wins, five podium finishes, and three poles in 2022. This comes after he secured his first career victory in 2021. Many believed he would win the title this year, ultimately finishing second – despite the accident.
On Thursday, just two days after his tragic passing, the Steeman family suffered another loss – his mother, Flora. She had just returned to her home in Lathum, Netherlands when she had a heart attack. First responders tried to save her but were unsuccessful. She was 59 years old.
“The Steeman family would like to process this immense grief in peace. We would like to kindly but urgently ask everyone to respect this request through this message. The kind request is therefore not to send cards or other attentions to the home address in Lathum,” said the family.
The tragic story reminds us how precious life is – and how we can sometimes take it for granted. In the blink of an eye, everything can change. “Words are not enough to comfort you in this great loss. We wish you a lot of strength and strength for the coming time,” the family continued.
The Supersport 300 Community Rallies Around Victor Steeman and His Family
Ever since Victor Steeman passed away, and now that his mother has passed, the Supersport 300 community and WorldSBK family is rallying around the family. For the past week, tributes have poured in for the 22-year-old – who was on his way to being a superstar in the sport.
“The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce racer and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever. Ride in Peace, Victor,” said representatives of the World Superbike Championship in a statement.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first death the WorldSBK has experienced. Just last year, a racer by the name of Dean Berta Vinales suffered life-ending injuries after an accident during a race. In fact, one of his cousins commented about safety improvements following Steeman’s death.
“For me, with the Supersport 300, the problem is that the bikes are [140] kilos, no speed, so they go 30 altogether. And of course if someone crashes in the front, it is impossible to escape,” said the cousin. “For me, it’s not about the age, it’s not about the riders, it’s about the bikes.”
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“The worst part of our sport… I’m really sorry. A big hug to your friends and family. RIP Victor Steeman,” said AlvaroBautista, another Supersport 300 racer. Other racers – including team owners, sponsors, and others involved in the community, paid their respects on social media.
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