Motocross Legend Marty Smith and Wife Nancy Die after Dune Buggy Accident

On Monday, April 27, 2020, the world lost motocross legend Marty and his wife Nancy Smith. The couple passed away after being involved in a buggy rollover accident.

The news of Marty, 63, and Nancy’s deaths was shared on Facebook on Tuesday by their close friend Lee Lee. He shared that the incident had occurred at the Imperial Sand Dunes in Southern California.

Lee also shared a photo of the couple’s last few hours in the vehicle that claimed their lives. Marty’s friend and his wife, Tammi, were in the same buggy with the couple when the accident happened.

MARTY’S LAST BREATH

Lee and his wife managed to get out with no injuries and spent about an hour trying to save their friends. The star’s friend explained how he died writing:

“Marty took his last breath while I was holding his head, keeping his airway clear.”

WHO ARE THEIR SURVIVORS

Lee mourned Marty’s death revealing that he’d considered him his best friend. Tammi had also attempted to save the motocross legend’s wife.

It breaks my heart knowing I couldn't save them

Marty’s friend promised to share more about the star. Lee concluded his post by asking for prayers for the couple’s children Jillyin, Brooke, and Tyler, and their grandchildren who are also their survivors.

BRETT SMITH PAYS TRIBUTE TO MARTY

Speaking to “CNN” about Marty’s death, Lee said: "It breaks my heart to know I couldn't save them." Motocross journalist Brett Smith also mourned the legend’s death in a tweet.

SHARING OLD PHOTOS OF THE ICON

He wrote: “You’ll always be #1, Marty.” The journalist also shared two black-and-white images of the star when he was much younger and still racing.

HOW THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED

The Smith’s died after their buggy flipped and rolled down a hill. Marty was reportedly not wearing a safety harness and his wife had on only a lap belt.

NANCY DIED AFTER HER HUSBAND

Emergency responders pronounced the star dead at the scene while Nancy was airlifted to a nearby hospital. She was later pronounced dead.

MARTY’S AMA INDUCTION

The legendary motocross racer was inducted into the American Motocross Association (AMA) Hall of Fame in 2000. He was the AMA's first-ever champion and dominated the sport in the 1970s.

WHEN DID SMITH RETIRE

The icon was also a three-time AMA National Motocross champion. The San Diego native retired from the extreme sport in the early 1980s.