The Marathon des Sables announced some sad news on Tuesday. In a statement posted on social media, the organization shared the passing of a participant in the 40th edition of the MDS Legendary, named Gregory, without providing more details. “Victim of a serious illness at the bivouac on the morning of April 8th,” he was “immediately taken care of and evacuated by helicopter to the hospital,” before passing away a few days later.
“This event deeply affects the entire Marathon des Sables community, as well as all those who shared this adventure with its participants,” wrote the organization, which also offered “sincere condolences to Gregory’s family and loved ones.” The organizers mentioned meeting with the family, who wished to express “their sincere thanks to all the people present on that day for their help and support, as well as to the medical teams and volunteers mobilized.”
According to information from the specialized site U-trail, “the medical conclusions brought to the organization’s attention rule out any connection with sports practice. He met all medical requirements to participate in the event and had not requested medical assistance since the beginning of the race.”
The 40th edition of the famous ultra-trail in the Moroccan desert concluded on Saturday, notably with the very impressive second place of Ludovic Pommeret from Savoie in his first participation.
