Aiden Zingg, 16, died after a crash at the Mammoth MX motocross event, and now sources are blaming race officials for an alleged delay that may have cost the rising star his life.
Multiple insiders told GLOBE Magazine that Zingg lay unconscious on the track for nearly two laps while the race continued, as officials failed to red flag the event immediately. Riders reportedly swerved around the motionless teen, creating what one witness called a “disaster waiting to happen.”
The incident has triggered outrage within the motocross community and raised serious questions about safety standards at amateur competitions.
Red flag delay sparks outrage
Zingg’s crash occurred on June 28 during a tightly contested moto at Mammoth Mountain MX in California. According to those on the ground, the Kawasaki Team Green prodigy lost control entering a corner and was struck by trailing riders.
Despite Zingg being visibly unresponsive, race marshals did not stop the competition right away. Eyewitnesses claimed the red flag came out nearly two laps later.
A source close to the Zingg family told GLOBE Magazine that paramedics had less than ideal access to the scene due to ongoing rider traffic.
Another insider with ties to race operations said this was a clear breach of standard red flag protocol, which typically mandates an immediate halt in response to serious crashes.
No video, but growing online frenzy
Although no verified footage of the crash has surfaced, fans online are circulating tribute videos and demanding transparency. Social media has erupted with questions like “Why wasn’t the race stopped sooner?” and “Is there a video showing what really happened?”
Some amateur video clips show track chaos moments after the crash but avoid showing the impact itself. Others feature emotional tributes from fellow racers, fans and motocross influencers who are calling for urgent changes in how youth races are managed.
Motocross world reacts with grief and anger
Zingg was considered one of the top emerging talents in American motocross. He won the AMA Amateur National Championship title in the Supermini 2 class in 2024 and had recently signed with Team Green, backed by major brands including Oakley and Renthal.
After his crash, 14 riders refused to take part in the second moto, in what appeared to be a silent protest. A mechanic told GLOBE Magazine that the pit area was filled with riders in tears and parents questioning whether their kids should still race.
Veteran riders have also weighed in. One longtime pro said the tragedy highlighted the brutal reality of a sport that celebrates speed but often ignores safety.
A family acquaintance shared that the Zinggs are devastated and want answers — but more than that, they want to make sure no other family suffers the same silence from a track that kept racing as their son stopped breathing.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.