American racer Nicky Hayden passed away today from injuries suffered in a bicycle crash last week in Italy.

A statement released by the hospital confirmed the news.

Hayden never regained consciousness after the impact of the crash between his bicycle and a car. He had been kept on life support for nearly a week while his family sought solutions to his very dire diagnosis.

Hayden was the most successful American rider of the MotoGP era, culminating with his 2006 world championship.  He was renown world-wide for his skill on the racetrack, but also for his incredibly large heart, honesty and integrity. Hayden was widely respected and liked in paddocks around the world. Hayden didn't have a fan club as much as he had a vast group of close friends.

Hayden is survived by his parents, Rose and Earl Hayden, two brothers, Tommy and Roger Lee and two sisters, Jenny and Kathleen. He and his fiancee, Jackie Marin were engaged just one year ago in Paris. He is also survived by a vast army of friends and fans.