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Dean Berta Vinales dead: 15-year-old World Superbike star passes away after horror crash

World Superbike star Dean Berta Vinales has died aged 15, after a horror crash in Jerez.

All of Saturday's action was cancelled following a serious incident in the opening round of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championships, after which Vinales, cousin of MotoGP race winner Maverick Vinales, was pronounced dead.

The Spaniard was one of the five riders involved in a collision at turn two at the start of lap 11 along with Alejandro Carrion, Daniel Mogeda, Harry Khouri and Yeray Ruiz.

The race was immediately red-flagged by the stewards, with Kawasaki rider Jeffrey Buis declared the winner based on the results of the last completed lap.

Two hours after the crash, World Superbike (WorldSBK) later announced in a statement that the young star had passed away.

"The rider suffered severe head and thoracic injuries," read the statement.

© @MotoGP/Twitter Dean Berta Vinales has died aged 15 after a horror crash in Jerez

"Medical vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to on track, in the ambulance and at the circuit Medical Centre.

"Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff, the Medical Centre has announced that Berta Vinales has sadly succumbed to his injuries."

On social media, WorldSBK paid an emotional tribute.

"We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of Dean Berta Vinales," they tweeted.

"The #WorldSBK family sends love to his family, loved ones, and his team. Your personality, enthusiasm, and commitment will be hugely missed. The whole motorcycle racing world will miss you, Dean. Ride in Peace."

The Repsol Honda team responded with: "Sending our deepest condolences to the Vinales family. An impossibly difficult time.."

World Supersport team GMT94 Yahama added: "What a tough moment. RIP Dean Berta.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Fans have also been quick to pay their respects, with one commenting: "My condolences to all his family and friends, a great rider on the World riding stage, great loss to our sport."

Vinales was impressing in his maiden season in WorldSSP300 on a Yamaha this year, riding for the family-run Vinales Racing. The team was founded by Maverick’s father Angel at the start of 2021 with the goal of providing opportunities for young Spanish drivers in motorsport.

Vinales notched a best finish of fourth in the second race at Magny-Cours, France, last month and had qualified 10th on the grid for this weekend's WSBK races in his home country.

Reference: Fraser Watson