The world of motocross is reeling from the sudden loss of a bright young star. Aidan Zingg, just 16 years old, passed away recently, and the cause of his death has now been revealed.
His mother, Shari Zingg, spoke to USA TODAY on Friday, July 11. She confirmed that Aidan’s death was due to “cardiac tamponade.” The Cleveland Clinic describes this as a serious medical emergency. It happens when too much fluid builds up around the heart. This fluid prevents the heart from pumping enough blood.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Office is conducting Aidan’s autopsy. They have limited information for the public. “The family has the same information, if not more, than we do,” Sarah Roberts, a public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, told USA TODAY. Shari Zingg did not provide further details to the news outlet. The Mammoth Lakes Police Department is also investigating Aidan’s death.
Back in June, Aidan was competing in the 2025 Mammoth Motocross event. This race took place in Mammoth Lakes, California. During one of his races, he was involved in a mid-race crash. Motocross journalist Donn Maeda shared the news on Instagram at the time. “I was told he suffered fatal injuries today at Mammoth MX,” Maeda wrote. “My heart goes out to the Zingg family. I can’t imagine what they are feeling. Rest in peace, friend. 🙏🏼”
The website DirtbikeLover reported more details about the crash. They stated Aidan “fell in a corner during a race.” After his fall, he was “reportedly hit by several bikes.” Allegedly, he “remained unconscious on the track for two laps.” The race was then stopped with a red flag. Us Weekly reached out to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department for comments at that time.
The news of Aidan’s passing sent shockwaves through his family and the motocross community. His older sister, Alexandria Zingg, 18, shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media. She posted a series of photos. These included pictures of Aidan in his racing gear and spending time with his loved ones.
“The things I could say. The stories I could tell. It’s been a day and it feels like a lifetime. I am completely heartbroken,” Alexandria wrote. She recalled a playful exchange with her brother. “You used to joke that I was so old and I’d die first. I’d always jokingly say you were crazy and it would be you first. Now I’m sitting here wishing with everything I am that you were right so I didn’t have to live a single day without you.”
Alexandria expressed her deep longing for one last moment with Aidan. She shared that she would “always” be “longing for that last hug, that last ‘I love you’ that I never heard.” She concluded her emotional message, “I could write a thousand more things to you but I’ll save it for my prayers. I love you so much it feels unreal. Fly high, but don’t go too far. I love you, I love you, I love you, friend. #rideforaidan #aidanzingg #rideforaidan39”
The loss of Aidan Zingg is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who live life at full throttle. His memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the entire motocross community he so dearly loved.