Alyssa Kruppenbacker, a 14-year-old amateur motorcycle racer from Crescent City, Florida, died Monday after an on-track incident during the Mile program of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in southern Illinois. Race officials paused the program while emergency crews responded, and organizers, along with much of the flat-track community, have since shared condolences as investigators and medical teams work to determine what happened.
AMA Confirms Rider's Death
In a statement, the American Motorcyclist Association said that "Alyssa passed away following an on-track incident during the Mile program of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship in Du Quoin, Ill." and offered its "deepest condolences to the Kruppenbacker family and the entire flat-track community." The association identified her as an AMA member and amateur flat-track racer from Crescent City, Florida.
Local Reporting And Response
Regional outlets quickly detailed the crash and the immediate response at the track. The Belleville News‑Democrat reported that emergency crews were on scene and that organizers paused the program while they worked.
About The Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
The Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship is a weeklong amateur meet that runs July 5–10 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, with racing across multiple classes, including the mile course known as the "Magic Mile." Roadracing World outlined the schedule and class structure released by the AMA, while the DuQuoin State Fair site lists the fairgrounds and facilities used for the meet.
Youth Classes And Safety
The event's published class list includes divisions that allow riders as young as 14 in certain categories, including entries such as "450cc & Open Singles (14+)." An event schedule from the American Motorcyclist Association sets out the age groupings, and the official American Flat Track rulebook stresses that "motorcycle racing is an inherently dangerous sport" and that competitors accept that risk when they enter events.
Racing Community Reaction And Recent Incidents
Riders, families and fans have voiced shock both at the track and across social media. The loss comes as the sport is still mourning professional rider Dan Bromley, who died after a separate on-track incident in late June, according to CBS News, underscoring the hazards that come with flat-track competition.
What Officials Say Next
Organizers and local authorities have not gone beyond their initial statements and have not released a cause for the incident. Local reports say investigations and medical follow-ups are underway, and no timeline has been announced for resuming affected events at the meet. KBSI and other stations continue to track updates.
