Motorsport sensation dies after mysterious illness
- Anthony Gobert has died at the age of 48
- The motorcycle sensation died after a short illness
- He was a fan favorite and popular among fellow riders
Anthony Gobert passed away at the age of 48 after a short illness.
Gobert's family said earlier this week that the eight-time World Superbike race winner had been admitted to palliative care and announced his death in a statement on social media on Wednesday.
“My heart breaks as I write this because my firstborn, beautiful son Anthony passed away late this afternoon,” his mother said.
'I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die.
“At times he was challenging, to say the least, but he always had a good heart and cared for everyone.
Anthony Gobert has died after a short illness, his family announced
The motorsport sensation was the youngest to win a World Superbike race in 1994
“Unfortunately, he was a victim of an addiction that runs deep in our families. He tried many times to get better, but he didn't quite succeed.
'I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who contributed to his life. You know who you are.'
Gobert, who was previously the youngest rider to win a World Superbike race, had been hospitalized with an unknown illness.
He competed between 1994 and 2006 and achieved podium finishes in several rounds around the world, including Australia, England, Austria and the United States.
One of his most notable performances came in 1994 when he won the final stage of the SWC season on Philip Island, Australia.
Tributes have been paid to the popular figure who battled drink and drug problems
His family announced that he was receiving palliative care for an unknown illness
That win made him the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history, at just 19 years old. That record was broken in 1996 by 18-year-old Yuichi Takeda.
Gobert had a history of alcohol and drug abuse.
Tributes have poured in for the popular racer, whose death has shocked motorsport.
“Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Anthony Gobert, an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer with a career full of accolades that many could only dream of,” said a fan on Twitter.
Another added: 'Anthony Gobert was always entertaining, both on and off the bike. A true character and a wonderful talent who endured some difficult times in his later life. RIP Go show.”