Hayden's fiancée Jackie Marin posted a photo of the couple just two weeks ago

Tommy Hayden will remember his brother at his happiest - 'riding a motorcycle'

Members of his family, including his mother and brother, had flown in from USA

The hospital announced that the American had passed away on Monday

Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has died at the age of 35 following a cycling accident in Italy last week.

Hayden suffered head and chest injuries after the collision last Wednesday and was later transferred to the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena where he has since remained in the intensive care unit.

Maurizio Bufalini Hospital announced the American had died on Monday, five days after the crash.

Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has died at 35 following a cycling accident

The American is famous for narrowly pipping Valentino Rossi to the 2006 MotoGP title

Tragic: Hayden is survived by his fiancée Jackie Marin (both pictured)

'The medical team has verified the death of the patient Nicholas Patrick Hayden, who has been undergoing care since last Wednesday 17 May in the intensive care unit of the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena following a very serious polytrauma which occurred the same day,' the hospital statement said.

Hayden was riding with friends close to Rimini last Wednesday when he was hit by a Peugeot, smashing into the windscreen of the vehicle before landing on the road. Judicial authorities have opened an investigation into the incident and questioned the 30-year-old driver of the Peugeot.

A statement released by Jackie and Nicky Hayden's family said the Superbike star had 'touched so many people's lives'

The star's brother Tommy Hayden said: '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.

'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.'

Hayden's fiancée, Jackie Marin, posted a photo of the pair together on her Instagram account just two weeks ago. The post was a celebration of the day the couple got engaged a year previously, according to Jackie

Jackie shared this photo when the couple became engaged while holidaying in Venice last year

Hayden's fiancée, Jackie Marin, posted a photo of the pair together on her Instagram account just two weeks ago.

The post was a celebration of the day the couple got engaged in May 2016, according to Jackie.

She said: 'One year ago, yesterday, this guy made the best decision of his life #HePutARingOnIt #VeniceItaly #May6th2016 @nicky_hayden,'

View of the scene where Hayden was involved in a road accident with a car in Italy last week

A Peugot believed to have been involved in the collision is inspected by Italian police

Engaged: Hayden, pictured left, proposed to girlfriend Jackie Marin, right, last year

The Superbiker's team released a short statement on Twitter on Sunday morning which stated that Hayden was still in a 'very critical condition'.

Many of Jackie's 30.5k Instagram followers have used the social media site to offer their sympathy to Hayden's fiancée

The American is famous for narrowly pipping Valentino Rossi to the 2006 MotoGP title, ending the Italian's half-decade dominance of the sport.

Hayden had featured every year in Grand Prix, motorcycle racing's premier class, between 2003 and 2016, winning three races with Honda during that time.

For the past two seasons, Hayden's main focus has been on World Superbikes where he has also been riding for Honda.

Since his death was announced, tributes have flooded in from around the world of sport.

Danny Kent, Moto2 rider for Red Bull, tweeted his condolences after hearing the news.

Kent said: 'Nicest guy in the paddock! So so sad. Always in our hearts. RIP Nicky xx'

Maurizio Bufalini Hospital announced the American had passed away on Monday

Formula One's Lewis Hamilton wrote a message and shared a picture of the Superbike star

Lewis Hamilton also took to social media to share his condolences, noting: 'Dear Nicky, you will be missed. May God hold you high, you are forever in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones,' alongside a picture of the rider.

Hayden, from Owensboro, Kentucky, was 13th in Superbike this season, riding for the Red Bull Honda team.

Several family members had flown in from the United States, including Hayden's mother and brother.

Rickie Fowler knew Hayden and admitted the news 'didn't seem real' when he found out

Jenson Button was another giant of the motor world who shared his condolences on Monday

American golfer Rickie Fowler was another who tweeted about the news on Monday, writing a heartfelt message to his friend and countryman.

'This morning just didn't seem real,' he wrote. 'We lost an amazing rider but even better person!!

'Just honored I got to spend the time w/ [sic] you that I did Nicky! Prayers for Jackie & the rest of the Hayden fam! We're going to miss you man!!'

Meanwhile, Jenson Button said: '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.'