Kyle LeDuc Death: The Off-Road Racing Legend Who Lost His Battle with Cancer
Kyle LeDuc, the seven-time Pro 4 champion and winner of the Extreme E race, has passed away at the age of 42 after a year-long battle with stage IV head and neck cancer. Diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer in late 2022, he had to miss the Extreme E season finale in Uruguay.
A renowned off-road racing legend, LeDuc accumulated over 100 race victories and numerous awards throughout his career. In this blog post, we’ll delve into his life, achievements, his cancer struggle, and the tributes pouring in from family, friends, and fans.
His Life and Achievements
Born on July 28, 1981, in California, Kyle LeDuc hailed from an off-road racing dynasty, being the son of Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Curt LeDuc and the brother of multiple champion Todd LeDuc. He initiated his racing career at a young age, participating in various off-road racing series and events, including the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, the Championship Off-Road Series, the World Off-Road Championship Series, the Baja 1000, and the King of the Hammers.
Most notably, he dominated the Pro 4 category, securing seven championships and driving a custom-built four-wheel-drive truck with over 900 horsepower. Beyond his domestic success, LeDuc ventured into international racing, joining the Extreme E series in 2021, racing for Chip Ganassi Racing and contributing to their first Extreme E round win in Sardinia, Italy, in 2022.
His Fight with Cancer
In June 2022, Kyle LeDuc publicly disclosed his battle with stage IV head and neck cancer, having kept his diagnosis private for several months. Despite facing this challenging condition, he continued to race in the Extreme E series until deciding to skip the season finale in Uruguay in December 2022 to focus on his health and recovery.
Providing regular updates on social media, he shared his progress, projects, thoughts, and gratitude for the support from fans and the racing community. Despite the severe toll on his health, he remained optimistic, expressing pride in his life and legacy.
The Tributes and Condolences
Kyle LeDuc passed away on November 11, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind his wife, Amber, and their two sons, Kaiden and Kase. The Championship Off-Road Series, announcing his death, remembered him as a legend in the off-road world and a passionate champion. Tributes poured in from various quarters, including Chip Ganassi, his Extreme E teammate Sara Price, and long-time sponsor Monster Energy.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Kyle LeDuc’s death marks the loss of a remarkable off-road racer, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the world. As a fierce competitor, loving family man, and courageous cancer fighter, he will be remembered as a legend and a hero. In this difficult time, our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones as they navigate this profound loss. Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.
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