An official coroner’s report says a teenage motocross prodigy died of a traumatic heart injury suffered during a mid-race accident this past summer
Aidan Zingg, 16, was tragically killed during a motocross race in California on June 28, leaving the sport in shock. The Washington native was competing in the 2025 Mammoth Motocross event in Mammoth Lakes, California when tragedy struck.
Two weeks later, Zingg’s mother told USA TODAY her son died of “cardiac tamponade,’’ which occurs when the heart has too much blood around it and is unable to function. Chest trauma is a potential cause.
According to TMZ, which obtained the coroner’s report, an autopsy determined Zingg died from “cardiac tamponade hemopericardium due to a dirt bike accident.”
While the cause of the crash is not listed, the report states Zingg was found lying face down and unresponsive. He was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
“The docs note first responders administered life-saving measures immediately — including an AED and CPR — but they were unable to revive him,” TMZ wrote.
A promising life and career cut short
Zingg had been competing on the amateur motocross circuit for the last six years. In 2024, he captured an AMA National Championship in the Supermini 2 class.
After Zingg died, the publicationDirt Bike Lover called Zing a “prodigy” who was “known for his remarkable talent and fierce determination.”
He was competing for Kawasaki Team Green at the time of his passing.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Kawasaki Team Green rider Aidan Zingg,” Kawasaki Racing wrote on X/Twitter at the time. “Zingg lost his life following injuries sustained during a crash at Mammoth Motocross in Mammoth Lakes, California. Zingg’s dedication and kind demeanor will forever be remembered.”
