Nicky Hayden Dead: latest news Tuesday 23 May 08.20: NICKY HAYDEN HAS DIED Honda America, who supported Hayden almost throughout his professional career, have issued a moving statement. "Throughout his career Nicky remained very close to his family. He took his famous number 69 from his father Earl. His parents and siblings were regularly seen along the route. “One year ago, he became engaged to his longtime friend Jackie Marin. Nicky was a beloved part of the Honda Amercia family - since its beginnings in the AMA. “We have celebrated many successes together. His loss is truly a loss of one from our midst, which we will always miss painfully. Our thoughts are with Nicky's family, friends, team, opponents, and the many, many fans.” 02:50: The tributes have continued to pour in for the late Nicky Hayden. The 2006 MotoGP champion died in intensive care in an Italian hospital after being involved in a road accident. And fellow MotoGP driver Pol Espargaro posted his condolences online. He tweeted: "Still can't believe it! You were an unique guy with an amazing soul. Thanks for all you have given us! #RideInPeace #SuperNicky #69."

German triathlete Julia Viellehner died just hours before N. Hayden in same hospital & was also hit by a truck in Italy. #nowords #rip — Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) May 22, 2017

Monday 22 May 22:17: Three-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says Nicky Hayden is “forever in our hearts”. Hayden died today after being in intensive care in an Italian hospital following a road accident. The MotoGP legend has drawn praise from all around the world. And Brit Hamilton posted his condolences online. “Dear Nicky, you will be missed. May God hold you high, you are forever in our hearts,” he wrote. “My thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones.” 22:00: British cycling star Chris Froome has added to the Nicky Hayden tributes. Hayden died today in a hospital in Cesena, Italy - five days after his crash in Rimini. Team Sky rider Chris Froome was recently in the country for the Giro d’Italia. And he posted this message of social media to show his condolences for the MotoGP star. “So sad. Rest In Peace Nicky…” he wrote.

Still can't believe it! You were an unique guy with an amazing soul. Thanks for all you have given us! #RideInPeace #SuperNicky #69 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5G0zMrhS9D — Pol Espargaró (@polespargaro) May 22, 2017

TWITTER Lewis Hamilton sent this message after hearing of Nicky Hayden's death

GETTY Chris Froome's tribute to Nicky Hayden

21:38: Nicky Hayden’s former team Ducati Motor have tweeted their sadness at the American’s death. Hayden raced for Ducati in MotoGP between 2009 and 2013. The 2006 world champion’s best season for the team was in 2010, when he finished seventh overall. “We'll miss you, champion,” the tweet read. “All the people at Ducati and Ducati Corse feel so close to Nicky's family in this difficult moment.” 21:20 MotoGP has released a statement following Nicky Hayden’s death. Hayden passed away in Italy today - five days after being involved in a crash while cycling his bike on the Rimini coast. Hayden won the 2006 MotoGP title. “Hayden raced his last laps for Red Bull Honda World Superbike team at Imola, in Italy, on May 14th,” the statement read. “The American’s dedication to competition was as strong as ever in his sophomore year in World Superbike, where he was once again proving his incredible work ethic, passion and dedication to two-wheeled motorsport. “Hayden will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced throughout an incredible career, his millions of fans around the world, and by all those closest to him. We wish to pass on our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, team and colleagues as we sadly bid farewell to the “Kentucky Kid” far too soon – a true legend of the sport, and to all those who knew him.”

EPA Nicky Hayden crash: This picture was taken at the scene

20:04 Nicky Hayden was confirmed dead at 19:09 CEST (18:09 BST) today. In a statement, Hayden’s Red Bull Honda team paid tribute to the 2006 MotoGP world champion. “It is with great sadness that Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday,” a statement read. “Nicky passed away at 19:09 CEST this evening at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy. His fiancée Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side. “Throughout his career Nicky’s professionalism and fighting spirit was greatly valued and carried him to numerous successes, including his childhood dream of being crowned MotoGP World Champion with Honda in 2006. “As well as being a true champion on the track, Nicky was a fan favourite off it due to his kind nature, relaxed demeanour, and the huge smile he invariably carried everywhere. “Nothing says more about Nicky’s character than the overwhelming response expressed by fellow racers and his legions of fans over the past few days. “Jackie and his family are truly grateful for the countless prayers and well wishes for Nicky. “The ‘Kentucky Kid’ will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt. “The racing world says goodbye to one of its dearest sons. Rest in peace Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Patrick Hayden."

GETTY Nicky Hayden's family were by his bedside

19:35 Nicky Hayden’s brother, Tommy, has paid tribute to the MotoGP legend who passed away earlier today. Hayden had been in hospital in Cesena since being hit by a car while on a cycle ride on Wednesday. “On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way,” Tommy Hayden said. “Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming World Champion. We are all so proud of that. “Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly. “It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.” 19:20 More tributes have come in from the MotoGP world praising 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden, who died this afternoon. Hayden was hit by a car while cycling in Italy last Wednesday. Cesena’s Bufalini hospital today confirmed the 35-year-old has passed away. And the motorsport world were quick the pay their respects to the American. F1 legend Jenson Button tweeted: “Totally shocked... Another one of the good guys gone way too soon. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.” Ducati rider Loris Baz said: “Been a pleasure to race with you Nicky what i will remember it's your massive smile off the bike!! another great.” Maverick Vinales, who won the French GP yesterday, wrote: “One of the best ever and good friend. Always in my heart Rip Nicky Hayden.” Poi Espargaro said: “Still can't believe it! You were an unique guy with an amazing soul. Thanks for all you have given us!” Andrea Iannone said: “Humble, funny, professional, strong. You were really a good guy!! You will miss Nicky!!” And Brit Cal Crutchlow posted on instagram his thoughts on his friend. “Every motorcycle racer and fan around the world should and probably does look up to this guy,” Crutchlow said. “I did, and still do. The best professional I have ever had the pleasure to meet, share a track with and be a friend of. RIP @nicky_hayden. Our thoughts are with Jackie and the whole Hayden family.”

GETTY Nicky Hayden has died aged 35

INSTAGRAM Cal Crutchlow's tribute to Nicky Hayden

17:51 Nicky Hayden has died this afternoon. A statement from the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena read: "The medical college has confirmed the death of the patient Nicholas Patrick Hayden, recovering from Wednesday May 17 in a hospital intensive care unit of Cesena Bufalini as a result of serious multiple injuries occurred on that date." Tributes have already started flooding in, with MotoGP and sports fans in general paying their respects to the American. Past and present MotoGP riders have expressed their devastation at the news Nicky Hayden has died. Dani Pedrosa, who dedicated his podium place at yesterday’s French GP, tweeted: Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69 Marc Marquez said: “I'm shattered after the news. We will never forget you!” And Tito Rabat wrote: “It was an honour to share the track with Nicky Hayden, an example for everyone. RIP Aleix Espargaro tweeted: “Can't believe... The most easy and good guy i ever meet on a padeock in my life! Love u Nicky!” Alvaro Arce wrote: “Hard day for the motorcycles family... R.I.P. NICKY HAYDEN” Hayden was hit by a Peugeot when entering a junction in Rimini, east Italy. The 35-year-old had spoken to fellow MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz just hours before the incident and even offered the 1993 champion to join him on the ride. Hayden’s family travelled to Cesena to be at his bedside last week and hoped to send test results to a US specialist for a second consolation.

Nicky Hayden crash pictures Mon, May 22, 2017 Nicky Hayden has died after being involved in a road accident while cycling in Italy Play slideshow EPA•GETTY 1 of 8 World Superbike champion Nicky Hayden has died after a tragic accident, aged 35

Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69 pic.twitter.com/ML35Qm7f1g — Dani Pedrosa (@26_DaniPedrosa) May 22, 2017

GETTY Nicky Hayden has died five days after a crash in Italy

16:45: BREAKING NEWS Nicky Hayden has died following a crash last week in Italy. It has been reported that Hayden spent five days in a coma before he died. There remains uncertainties over the incident that Rimini’s deputy prosecutor will look at over the next two months. One is the speed at which the car was travelling when it hit Hayden. Another is whether or not Hayden ignored a stop sign at the junction in question and if he was listening to music on his iPod. Police expect the road traffic report to be filed by mid-July. Hayden’s death comes after German triathlete Julia Viellehner also passed away from similar injuries in Cesena earlier today. Viellehner, 31, was hit by a truck when cycling in the hills outside Forli and taken to Cesena’s Bufalini Hospital. Viellehner was a German cross-country, triathlon and marathon champion. She died earlier today after being induced into an artificial coma. More to follow…

������������������������ — Loris baz (@lorisbaz) May 22, 2017

TWITTER Nicky Hayden tributes have begun flooding in

TWITTER More tributes on Nicky Hayden after his death was announced today

15:45: Former MotoGP world champion Kevin Schwantz has revealed he was with Nicky Hayden just hours before his bike crash on Wednesday - and that the American even asked him to join him. Nicky Hayden remains in critical condition in hospital following the accident involving a Peugeot in eastern Italy. The 2006 MotoGP world champion is in hospital Cesena. And Schwantz, in Italy to attend the launch of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the Mugello World Circuit, has visited Hayden in hospital. "I was jogging from Gabicce in Riccione and I met Nicky who was training too," said Schwantz, as quoted by Italian outlet Corse Di Moto. "We ran a little bit together and then while I was heading back to the hotel in the afternoon he asked me if I would go with him for a ride on a bike. “I said no as I did not have a road bike with me. Then a few hours later I heard about the incident. “It is something I find hard to accept. I'm not saying it would have been different if we had been together, but maybe we would be somewhere else.” Schwartz retired from biking in 1995, having been crowned MotoGP world champion in two years earlier.

GETTY Kevin Schwantz says he spoke to Nicky Hayden on the day of his crash

12.30: Nicky Hayden remains in an Italian hospital following his cycling accident last week where his situation is still severe. Hayden, 35, was the 2006 MotoGP World Championship winner and is nicknamed the Kentucky Kid. Floods of support have been sent his way following the accident last Wednesday and his family have issued a statement expressing their thanks. The Spanish GP yesterday saw a number of competitiors pledge their support to Hayden as he continues his battle. Maverick Vinales sealed victory after a last-lap Valentino Rossi crash. Hayden’s presence in Hospital has been met with a lot of media attention and police have moved to stop the flow of paparazzi. The heavy presence of cameramen outside and inside the hospital has forced the police to act. According to German outlet Speed Week, a number of photographers have tried to get a shot of Hayden on his hospital bed. And Italian police will now lock down the site in order to prevent the media circus from getting out of hand. 7.45am: Nicky Hayden's situation is unchanged this morning as the former MotoGP champion remains in critical condition in an Italian hospital. Hayden was knocked off his bike last week and his family are by his side. Honda released a statement yesterday while police increased the security to keep his family in peace. Yesterday's MotoGP was dedicated to him and a number of riders paid tribute. Hayden, 35, known as the Kentucky Kid is still fighting in hospital. Yesterday his uncle Earl Hayden said: "Everything is 100% exactly the same as the past 3 days. Not anything has changed. Please keep praying as Nicky & my family need a miracle." 05:00: Nicky Hayden remains in a "very critical condition" in Maurizio Bufalini Hospital. But more messages of goodwill have come pouring in for the Moto GP legend. Eight-time Grand Prix motocross world champion Tony Cairoli has urged the 35-year-old to "stay strong" after winning his 80th Grand Prix race in Germany. MX Bars posted a picture on behalf of Cairoli on their Instagram page. Express Sport will get more news and updates to you as it comes in.

Sunday 21 May 21.15: Nicky Hayden remains in critical condition in hospital in Italy. Today's MotoGP in Spain allowed the sport's biggest names to show their support as the motoring world came together. Maverick Vinales sealed victory after Valentino Rossi’s crash on the final lap. And while it was a big day in the championship race it was all about Hayden as riders paid tribute and dedicated their rides to him. Hayden's family remain by his side and released a statement earlier today to thank the medics for their support so far. 19:30: British MotoGP star Cal Crutchlow has given his support to Nicky Hayden, who remains in hospital with severe injuries following Wednesday’s crash. "I am very confident that you will not easily forget Hayden just like that,” he said after finishing seventh at today’s Le Mans GP. “Everyone in the paddock is a friend of Nicky’s. “It's no wonder that he will be the last thing you'll think about before you go to bed and the first thing you'll do in the morning is try to figure out the latest developments from him.”

The junction where Nicky Harden is said to have crashed [GOOGLE MAPS]

18:40 This is the intersection (left) where MotoGP legend Nicky Hayden is said to have crashed on Wednesday. The junction lies around 5km from Riccione on the Rimini coast. Unconfirmed reports suggest Hayden was travelling down the road on the right - Via Ca’Raffaelli - and didn’t see a stop sign warning of a junction ahead. Via Tavoleto runs through Via Ca’Raffaelli on the way to Riccione. 17:45: Nicky Hayden’s presence in Cesena’s Bufalini Hospital is to force the local police into action. Hayden is in a critical condition in hospital following his crash on Wednesday and his family are by his bedside. But the heavy presence of paparazzi outside and inside the hospital has forced the police to act. According to German outlet Speed Week, a number of photographers have tried to get a shot of Hayden on his hospital bed. The paparazzi have been entering the hospital. And Italian police will now reportedly lock down the site in order to prevent the media circus from getting out of hand. They fear similar scenes to what happened when Michael Schumacher was admitted to hospital in 2013 after suffering a head injury while skiing. Officials at the hospital in Grenoble, France struggled to handle the influx of reporters, fans and paparazzi that descended on Schumacher. The police in Cesena hope they can maintain a level of privacy for Hayden and his family.

#TonyCairoli #wins his #80th #GP and says #staystrong #NickyHayden ������������������������������������ #RESULTS AND #ORHER ON #MXBARS ������������✊������✊������✊������ A post shared by Italian Motocross Brotherhood (@mxbars) on May 21, 2017 at 9:14am PDT

TWITTER The stars of the Le Mans GP show their support for Nicky Hayden

17:05: French GP winner Maverick Vinales (centre) posed with second place Johann Zarco and Dani Pedrosa in third to show their support for Nicky Hayden. Hayden remains in severe condition in hospital after a crash on Wednesday. The MotoGP world has united around their support for the 2006 world champion. Vinales won the race at Le Mans after Valentino Rossi slid off the track with one lap to go. 15.35: Fernando Alonso has sent a message of support to Hayden. He posted on Instagram: Keep fighting my friend. @nicky_hayden. Hayden's condition remains critical following the statement released from his family earlier today. Alonso meanwhile is in Indianapolis for the Indy 500.

Instagram Nicky Hayden latest: Fernando Alonso posted a message of support

15:20 French Grand Prix winner Maverick Vinales says he in thinking of Nicky Hayden following his victory at Le Mans today. Hayden remains in a critical condition in hospital. Vinales won today's race after Valentino Rossi came off the track with a lap to go. "It was an incredible last lap,” he said. “I gave my best, I tried to push 100 per cent, I took advantage of the error of Rossi to overtake him and I finally took the victory, “At turn 13 I thought I'd still be behind, wherever I closed all possible spaces, and then I did the fastest lap at the end. “I was squeezing it: it was beautiful. “It’s very nice to win again after two disastrous races, although it is still a sad day: all this is for Hayden, we want to come back with us and let a strong good luck."

GETTY Le Mans GP winner Maverick Vinales expressed his support for Hayden

14:20: Dani Pedrosa has dedicated his third-place finish at the French MotoGP to Nicky Hayden. Hayden remains in a critical condition in a hospital in Italy following a crash when riding his bike on Wednesday. Pedrosa finished on the podium at Le Mans after Valentino Rossi crashed on the final lap of the race. Pedrosa said: “This podium has been a great gift for me. “Best regards to Nicky Hayden and his family." Maverick Vinales won the race on his Movistar Yamaha, with Johann Zarco second. 13:25: Nicky Hayden remains in a critical condition in hospital as the MotoPG world rally behind their legend. Yamaha Racing express their support on the Le Mans racetrack today at the French MotoGP. Signs displaying the hashtag #gonicky were seen all around the track for today’s race.

12:10: Nicky Hayden’s crash in Italy is being investigated. The deputy prosecutor in Rimini, Paolo Gengarelli, has opened a file on the incident. He has appointed police road expert Orlando Omicini to reconstruct the exact dynamics of the accident. As stated yesterday, it is not known what speed the driver of the Peugeot was travelling at when he collided with Hayden. The driver took a breathalyser test and was found not to have exceeded the alcohol limit. There are reports that Hayden may have had earphones at the time of the collision - although those have not been confirmed. The police reconstruction report is expected to be ready by mid-July. The report is expected to focus on the speed of the car in the hope of establishing what happened. The stretch of road where Hayden was knocked over has a 50km/ph speed limit. 11:40: Nicky Hayden is not the only motorcyclist currently receiving treatment at Cesena’s Bufalini hospital. Italian rider Simone Mazzola on Friday was taken to the hospital after falling off his Team Kymco Oral Racing bike at the Misano World Circuit during Supersport 300 practice. Mazzola was immediately taken to the hospital’s spinal trauma department. San Marino publication Libertas say the 21-year-old is in a critical condition. And it is claimed another, unnamed, rider was airlifted to the hospital after falling off his bike at the circuit yesterday.

GETTY Nicky Hayden is in a critical condition in hospital

11:10: Nicky Hayden’s situation “remains very critical” in hospital following his crash, Honda WSBK have announced. In a statement at noon Italian time, Hayden’s team said: “Update 21 May @ 12pm from Bufalini hospital in Cesena - Nicky Hayden's condition remains very critical & the clinical picture is unchanged”. 11:00: Nicky Hayden’s family are hoping to send his medical test results to an American specialist. Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino report that Hayden’s family are with him at the Cesena hospital where he is being looked after. And it is claimed Hayden’s older brother Tommy wants to send all the results from his tests to a US specialist for additional consultation. 10:30: Nicky Hayden’s family have released a statement via the MotoGP legend’s lawyer, Moreno Maresi. “We thank the many sportspeople and ordinary people who are providing a great closeness at this dramatic moment," it read. "In particular we thank the medical and first aid staff who have worked and are working on Nicky." 09:22: Nicky Hayden's family on Friday spoke of their pain following a sick report posted online that wrongly claimed the ex-MotoGP star has died.



The headline on the site - which we have chosen not to name - reads: "Ex-MotoGP Champion Nicky Hayden is Dead | BREAKING NEWS."



But the story is totally made up and the family have come out to put the record straight following Hayden's bike crash on Wednesday. 08:55: The latest is thus... There are continuing sick rumours on Twitter circulating that the former MotoGP star has died - and that a statement has been issued by his family. This is untrue. No statement has been released and the hospital have released no official update on his condition. Tweets are continuing to come in wishing Hayden the best in his recovery as the motorsport world keeps everything crossed.

GETTY Nicky Hayden's family lawyer released a statement on Sunday

Saturday 20 May 18:00: NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has revealed Hayden’s signature number, No. 69, will be featured on his car at the Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. "We’re really concerned, but just hoping he can heal,” he said. "I really don’t have a correct line of communication to anyone in his circle, but we just want to be able to show our support for his family and all those people who are affected by his accident. "It’s got to be incredibly difficult for them to be a half a world away from their homes with him trying to get through what’s going on." 14:50: Contrary to reports on social media Nicky Hayden has not died. A statement from the Cesena hospital where he is being treated this morning confirmed (10:50) the MotoGP legend is in a “critical” condition. 14:40: The driver of the car that collided with MotoGP legend Nicky Hayden was NOT over the alcohol limit. Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino confirm the driver, 30, took a breathalyser and toxicology tests are expected to arrive in the coming days. The driver’s father is said to have requested to meet with Hayden’s family in order to express their support for the biking legend. Deputy prosecutor Paolo Gengarelli has opened a case to investigate the road traffic incident. The magistrate will seek advice from experts before coming to a conclusion on what happened in the accident. It is yet to be calculated what speed the Peugeot was traveling when the collision happened. It is claimed - but not confirmed - that 36-year-old Hayden was listening to music through earphones.

YAMAHA TWITTER Yamaha show their support for Nicky Hayden

14:30: A quick MotoGP update to give you. Tributes for Nicky Hayden have been flooding in all day during French MotoGP qualifying at Le Mans. And the Yamahas once again dominated in qualifying. Maverick Vinales starts on pole for tomorrow’s race, ahead of Italy’s Valentino Rossi. Frenchman Johann Zarco is third on the grid, with Brit Cal Crutchlow fourth in his LCR Honda. French MotoGP qualifying results: 1. Maverick Vinales ESP Movistar Yamaha MotoGP 2. Valentino Rossi ITA Movistar Yamaha MotoGP 3. Johann Zarco FRA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 4. Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda 5. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda Team 6. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team 7. Scott Redding GBR Octo Pramac Racing 8. Pol Espargaro ESP Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 9. Karel Abraham CZE Pull&Bear Aspar Team (Desmosedici GP15) 10. Bradley Smith GBR Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 11. Jack Miller AUS Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS 12. Loris Baz FRA Reale Avintia Racing Qualifying 1: 13. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team 14. Alvaro Bautista ESP Pull&Bear Aspar Team 15. Jonas Folger GER Monster Yamaha Tech 3 16. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Ducati Team 17. Andrea Iannone ITA Team Suzuki Ecstar 18. Aleix Espargaro ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini 19. Danilo Petrucci ITA Octo Pramac Racing 20. Hector Barbera ESP Reale Avintia Racing 21. Sam Lowes GBR Factory Aprilia Gresini 22. Tito Rabat ESP Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS 23. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Team Suzuki Ecstar

GETTY Maverick Vinales has qualified on pole for the French MotoGP

11:15 Maurizio Bufalini Hospital Nicky Hayden remains in the intensive care until at the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena. The hospital is located around 2km from Cesena’s central train station and Pizza Sanguinetti. It has seven clinical departments with a total of 505 beds, of which 462 are inpatient and 43 for outpatients. Since 2002 the hospital has been used as a trauma centre for the Greater Romagna area, which covers the cities of Ravenna, Forli, Cesena and Rimini. Its specialist functions include: ICUs and Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology, Burns and Maxillofacial Surgery. 10:50 Doctors at the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena have released a statement on Nicky Hayden’s condition this morning. Hayden remains in a critical condition after he was involved in a crash with a car while cycling in Italy. Italian website Corse Di Moto, a sister site of newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, report that an update on Hayden has been given. “Nicky Hayden clinical conditions are always very serious,” the statement read. “The overall clinical picture remains unchanged. He is still hospitalised in the intensive care unit of the hospital Bufalini in Cesena.” 09:15: Nicky Hayden remains in a critical condition in hospital. The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena in Italy have not provided any further updates since last night’s statement. Further information on his condition is expected later today as fans use the hashtags #gonicky and #keepfightingnicky to show their support to the MotoGP legend. 03.10: Nicky Hayden’s father, Earl, has been unable to join his wife and son in Italy due to his own medical issues. But he has been keeping up to date on Nicky’s condition from his home in Kentucky. However, the ‘fake news’ online is reportedly adding to his pain. Earl Hayden told Roadracing World that the family has issued no statement that Hayden has died, although he is on life support. It was claimed Hayden was with a group of 14 riders when the incident happened. This is not true.

GOOGLE MAPS Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena

Nor is it true that doctors performed surgery on the MotoGP legend and that he has not been in an induced coma. Friday May 19 20.00: The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena (Italy), where Nicky Hayden is currently in intensive care, released the following statement at 19.45 local time (GMT+2): “The clinical picture of Nicky Hayden remains unchanged. His condition is still extremely critical. "He is still in the intensive care unit of Cesena’s Maurizio Bufalini Hospital and the prognosis stays reserved.” 18.05: Video has emerged - shown above - of the moment police attended the scene minutes after Nicky Hayden was knocked off his bike. The footage shows a huge dent and a smashed windscreen on the passenger side of a black Peugeot 207CC.



Police then arrive at the scene and are seen taking pictures of the footwell.



Discarded on the side of the road is the bike Hayden was riding when he was knocked off.



Police quickly blocked off the road and are visible directing traffic away from the crash site.



The hazard lights of the vehicle that hit Hayden off, meanwhile, are flashing. 16:35: If you don't know who Nicky Hayden is, here's a bit of info to help you. Put simply, he's a former Moto GP great. Hayden is a 35-year-old motorbike rider who is nicknamed The Kentucky Kid. His career high so far came in 2006 when he won his only MotoGP championship.



In the process he prevented Valentino Rossi from winning a sixth successive title.



Hayden was born in Owensboro in Kentucky and his talent was there for all to see early on.



At the age of just 17, he was racing factory Honda RC45 Sperbikes while still at school. It proved to be the first glimpse of his enormous talent.



He started his MotoGP career with Honda in 2003 immediately after winning the AMA Superbike championship. It was there, in his fourth year in 2006, that he won the title ahead of Valentino Rossi.



Hayden stayed for a couple more years before moving to Ducati in 2009 - and then back to Honda in 2014.



In 2016, he returned to the Superbike World Championship with the Ten Kate Racing-run Honda squad, now known as the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team.

GETTY MotoGP racers paid tribute to Nicky Hayden this week

14:35: There's been no updates for a few hours from the hospitals but the understanding is that Hayden has suffered "severe brain damage". We'll have more as the news comes into us at Express Sport. 12:45: The messages of support for Nicky Hayden are flooding in on Twitter. Hundreds of fans have tweeted the man himself with goodwill messages following the latest update from the Honda team. The motorsport world and beyond are all right behind the Kentucky Kid. 12.30 Nicky Hayden has suffered severe brain damage and remains in an extremely critical condition in hospital following Wednesday’s accident. Hayden, 35, was hit by a car while cycling in Italy. His family are by his side in hospital. Hayden’s Honda WSBK team released a statement saying: "Nicky Hayden's clinical condition remains extremely critical. "The young man, who is still in the intensive care unit of Cesena's Bufalini Hospital, has suffered a serious polytrauma with subsequent serious cerebral damage. "The prognosis remains reserved." Polytrauma is a medical term to describe the condition of a person who has multiple traumatic injuries. Tributes and messages of support have poured in for the MotoGP racer nicknamed the ‘The Kentucky Kid’.

Current MotoGP riders Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa have all sent their best wishes to the 35-year-old on Twitter. Meanwhile, Friends star and racing enthusiast Matt LeBlanc tweeted: “Everyone please say a prayer for Nicky. He’s a fighter. @NickyHayden God Bless.” Hayden's sister has sent her support via social media, tweeting: "My brother is a fighter". Ten-time Le Mans racer Johnny Mowlem tweeted his support saying: “Thoughts with you mate #keepfighting #fingersareallcrossed”.

Nicky Hayden crash: Motorsport stars send support to former MotoGP champion Fri, May 19, 2017 Motorsport stars and famous faces have sent their support to Nicky Hayden after the 2006 MotoGP champion was hit by a car while cycling Play slideshow 1 of 20

11.30: More support has poured in for Nicky Hayden as he remains in critical condition in hospital. Ten-time Le Mans racer Johnny Mowlem tweeted his support saying: “Thoughts with you mate #keepfighting #fingersareallcrossed” 10am: MotoGP’s official twitter account has delivered the latest update on Nicky Hayden: he remains in an extremely serious condition in the Intensive Care unit in hospital. The prognosis remains guarded. Hayden was hit by a car while cycling in Italy on Wednesday night and has been put into an induced coma. Support has flooded in for the former MotoGP champion and his family remain by his side in hospital.

9am: Nicky Hayden's sister has sent her support via social media, tweeting: "My brother is a fighter". Hayden's situation remains critical and his family are by his side in hospital following the accident on Wednesday night. 7.30: Nicky Hayden has suffered severe brain damage and his condition is "extremely critical" after being hit by a car while cycling in eastern Italy. Honda quoted Cesena's Maurizio Bufalini hospital as saying the 35-year-old had "a serious polytrauma with subsequent serious cerebral damage". Doctors had placed the 2006 MotoGP champion, known as "The Kentucky Kid", into a medically induced coma after the incident on Wednesday. Hayden was taken to the hospital after being struck by a car while training on his bicycle along Italy's Adriatic coast following a weekend Superbike race at the Imola circuit. Honda said he was taken initially by ambulance to a hospital near the coastal resort of Rimini before then being transferred to Cesena. Hayden's fiancee Jackie and team members had been joined at his bedside by brother Tommy and mother Rose who flew in from the United States. 5.50: People came together in Hayden's hometown of Owensboro in Kentucky on Thursday night. A mass was held for him at Precious Blood Catholic Church, where his Hayden's uncle was in attendance. He said: "It's starting to sink in a little bit of how grave the situation may be," said Hayden. "It takes several hours to grasp the impact of it all. At first, you're just in shock. It's difficult to be logical." His uncle added doctors there have determined that Nicky has very little brain activity and therefore isn't strong enough to undergo certain procedures.

3:20: Racing enthusiast Matt LeBlanc has paid tribute, tweeting his message of support to Hayden. He posted: “Everyone please say a prayer for Nicky. He’s a fighter. @NickyHayden God Bless.” Thursday May 18 21:45: Tributes flood in from fans around the world as we await further news on his Hayden's condition. People have been tweeting their support using the hashtag #GoNicky on Twitter. 16:25: Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden remains in intensive care in an Italian hospital after being injured in a cycling accident.



The 35-year-old American, who currently races for the Red Bull Honda World Superbike team, was hurt while on a training exercise along the Rimini coastline when his bicycle was in collision with a car.



He had competed in the Superbike World Championship races at Imola last weekend.



Hayden, from Owensboro, Kentucky, was treated at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital.



He was later transferred to the Bufalini hospital in Cesena, where he is now.

TWITTER Fans are send their best wishes to Nicky Hayden on Twitter

15:00: Hayden's Red Bull team have issued a statement. It reads: "Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team rider Nicky Hayden was involved in an incident while cycling near Rimini, Italy yesterday afternoon.



"Following the incident, Nicky was treated on site by medical staff and then taken by ambulance to a hospital near Rimini for immediate treatment. Once Nicky's condition was stabilised, he was transferred to Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena and remains in the hospital's intensive care unit.



"Members of Nicky's team and his fiancee are with him in the hospital.



"We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and messages of support and the assistance of emergency and medical services. Once an official statement regarding Nicky's condition is released by the hospital or Nicky's family, a further update from the team will be issued.” 13:00: Pictures of the Nicky Hayden crash have emerged, featuring a dark car with a cracked windscreen.