On Sunday the 8th of March a terrible accident occurred during Libya Desert Challenge 2009 with dramatic consequences. Alex Debot, a Belgian quad biker and personal friend sadly lost his life. Despite the fact that he was not driving against the clock, Alex crossed the dune driving too fast and lost control of his vehicle. He was ejected from his quad and fell. The quad landed on top of him and broke his neck. Minutes later he was found by the French quad biker Nicolas Pujol; and one minute later our helicopter also arrived on the scene. Fifteen minutes later the Belgian emergency doctor Luc Beaucourt confirmed his death and that he had died instantly. He died doing something he loved, with his spirit for adventure and the desert. Alex was 53 years old and had a passion for motor sport all his life. Until a few months ago he was the owner of several large Opel dealerships which he had just sold in order to start following his passion for adventure and travel. Alex was also part of the Libya Desert Challenge organisation team and drove the Ginaf truck to the South of Libya but during the day he couldn't resist driving the dunes of the desert in his new Can-Am quad. He was an experienced driver who loved the desert and had also participated in Libya Desert Challenge 2008. Alex was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and our sincere condolences go to his wife Chris and to his children. We dedicate the Libya Desert Challenge 2009 in his memory. Gert Duson, Organiser of the Libya Desert Challenge |
