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188 Comments
  • 982 2
 We were climbing to get to the start of the stage 3 when this tragic accident happened...When we got to the top I remember a photographer telling us what was going on... At this moment, everything stopped, I directly looked around me and saw the sad faces of everyone, people were crying, people couldn't even say anything... I started to think about his family, his friends, I cried... Will, I haven't met you, but I guess you were this type of person living his life to his fullest and enjoying each moment of our common passion, I'll take you with me, for all of my rides. All my thoughts go to your family and your friends my brother. Rest and Ride in Peace. Yo
  • 25 0
 RIP Will, and thank you Yoann. What an incredible sport and community when the elite pros aren't so far removed from us but share in both our triumphs and tragedies. Brought me to tears.
  • 20 0
 I was out filming stage 4 and when the first rider came down and told me what happened, I went into shock. I didn't know what to do and didn't move for a while. All the riders that passed me on the way down didn't say a thing, just rode silently with grief on their faces. Not only the friends and family of Will are taking this loss hard, but the entire mtb community. RIP
  • 1 0
 Rest In Peace Will Olsen. Hope you find some gnarly trails up there mate.
  • 169 1
 Tragic news, my best wishes and prayers to Will's family. Ride on in peace brother x
  • 18 1
 Not a day for trail beers, but a day for quiet trail rides for him. Ride for him.
  • 105 1
 Sad day. We are a community that loves to push the limits... Sucks when those limits bite back.
  • 7 1
 Well said!
  • 101 1
 RIP Will. My condolences to the family and friends. Does any one know if there are setting up a fund to help the family with anything. I would donate in a heart beat.
  • 5 1
 Please keep us posted @whattheheel
  • 5 0
 Agreed^^
  • 5 0
 Yes let's make sure the family is well taken care of
  • 3 0
 Count me in, please post more on this
  • 4 0
 hopefully pinkbike will post some info regarding this too !!!!!!!
  • 36 0
 In addition to donating to a fund to help the family, I want to honor Will with a commitment to my fellow riders: I will get CPR certified and look to get my Wilderness First Responder training. I will do my best to carry a "Spot" device in the backcountry so that GPS coordinates are available if needed. We are each others best chance of survival when the unthinkable happens....
  • 6 0
 I'm with you. I'm going to find out where classes are available in my area and encourage all my local riders to join in. We need to have each other's backs always!
  • 2 0
 I am with you on that WTH.

As for the wilderness first aid and CPR certification, always a good idea. For anyone looking for a good organization to get training from, take a look at NOLS (www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/wildfirstaid.shtml)
  • 4 0
 Donate to Will's memorial fund here- gofundme.com/5d5d5dqc6k
  • 2 0
 Thank you enduromtbtrainer!!!
  • 1 0
 @enduromtbtrainer thanks for setting up! Hope those funds can help the family with the little things in the meantime.
  • 2 1
 Will's Memorial Fund: www.gofundme.com/5d5d5dqc6k
  • 3 0
 Thank you for setting up the fund! I have donated and found the WFR class I will attend in Boulder this year.
  • 72 0
 Dear Pinkbike Community - My name is Bonnie McDonald, I am Will Olson's girlfriend of the past 5 years. I signed on to Pinkbike today so I could thank all of you. The thoughts and words you have shared have been incredible, touching beyond compare. Thank you to all of those riders who were there to share this event, and Will's last days, with him. A profound thank you too to all of those who tried to save him... Will LOVED biking, loved Pinkbike, loved being part of this--your--community. It would FLOOR him to read these posts, and to see and hear the love and support this community is showing him. He was a humble guy... As devastated as I am, I know that Will died at the happiest time in his life. He was doing what he loved, at his favorite mountain (where we met), with exciting plans for the next chapter of our life following, just days away. When I spoke with him that morning, I could hear the smile in his voice. I hope you all ride on with the same joy, gratitude, and love in your hearts that I know was in Will's. Love and peace, Bonnie
  • 4 0
 Bonnie - Thank you so very much for posting this. I know all of us want to find a way to honor will and support you and Will's family. My heart hurts for you and there aren't any words..... Please let us know what we can do to help.
  • 4 0
 Amazing perspective and outlook Bonnie. You are an inspiration to all of us continuing to ride for Will after leaving CB.
  • 6 0
 Bonnie- we set up a gofundme account for Will and you and his family, please share this page- gofundme.com/5d5d5dqc6k
God Bless you. He was a great competitor and friend of mine in the 40+ division... I will miss his infectious smile, happy attitude and stupidly fast skills on his bike! My heart goes out for you. Please reach out to me to discuss details. info@enduromtbtraining.com
  • 1 0
 This should be upvoted to the top or at least highlighted. Much love to you Bonnie, I'll keep Will and you in my thoughts and heart.
  • 1 0
 wow...no words. love n respect x
  • 67 1
 It was a beautiful day at the top of Star Pass... blue sky and wildflowers. I was there at the top of Stage #3 when Will took off. It was a freak accident.... no one could have prevented it from happening. I am in awe of how the entire race crew and all of the athletes came together in the wake of this tragedy. I took my time riding down the stage..... I cried for Will and for all of us that lost a friend that we may not have met. I slowed down and I looked around at the beauty of a perfect day to be pedaling a bike and said a prayer. My heart goes out to his family. RIP Will.....
  • 10 0
 MY thoughts and prayers also go to YOU and everyone that was there and affected by this tragedy !!!!!!! STAY STRONG..
  • 48 3
 I was just in crested 2 weeks ago. Rode some of the same trails as ews. I'm not a religious man, so no prayers. But, Will got to do something most of us won't. He left doing something he probably loved doing. My best wishes to the Olsen family......
  • 41 0
 As a mountain biker I can say for the most part we are an extremely friendly and compassionate group of people. We almost always help a fellow mountain biker in need weather it's helping one with a flat or giving suggestions on a trail to ride. As strangers and friends we are happy to help. With that said we truly lost a brother in our mountain bike community. We are all at some way at a loss. My utmost condolences to his family and friends along with the many starangers that would have had an encounter with him in the future. RIP Will. Have fun on that never ending trail up high in the sky. Shred hard man....we will eventually see ya later.....
  • 2 0
 I COULDNT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER... R.I.P. WILL ....and we are ALLLLL riding in your honor and rememberance.. GODSPEED BRO...
  • 42 0
 Just about to go for a ride in his memory. RIP
  • 28 4
 Dang broke my chain on the ride. Then I realized how good I have it, healthy and able to ride plus family and friends.
  • 37 0
 If you ride a bike you are a friend. Goodbye friend. May his family find the strength they need at this moment.
  • 7 0
 This is 100% true, he'll be missed and mourned. As a community we shall all make his day a riding day once a year without fail, to honour his memory and what we are without each other. Ride in peace.
  • 32 0
 Couldn't have said it better myself, And to better times we wish still, From all of us, to the Olson Family.
  • 22 0
 Rest in peace...
  • 17 0
 As a 17 year old spending their summer in Crested Butte to ride, and follow the Enduro, this really sets a heavy feeling in me. I found out this morning from the previous article and that hit me hard that a tragic event like this happened in my backyard. I did not know Will, but I have only heard great and remarkable things about him. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends for he will always be remembered by the cycling community. I will keep Will and close ones in my thoughts.
  • 17 0
 Thank you Pinkbike. This is what the bike community needed to see. It's not about what you ride, how you ride, or how good of a rider you are, it's about getting out and doing what we all love. We lost someone yesterday doing that exact thing. It pains us, hurts us, and even makes some of us wonder if it really is worth the risk. We all do it for the joy, the rush, the excitement, just as Will Olson did. He will be missed by many, but remembered by all. Rest in peace Will, and our deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.
  • 5 0
 WELL said bro.... he WILL be remembered and NEVER forgotten.. RIP will... went for ride yesterday in his honor/ rememberance here in CO. had to really hold back the tears at one point.. my thoughts and prayers to the family and his friends,and HUGE thanks for those who tried to save him...
  • 14 0
 Rest in peace. Sorry to hear that. I really hope something like this will not happen to anyone again!
When they are writing about blunt forces to the chest, one story comes to my mind, because I was in the same situation one year ago. Almost died on inner bleedings too. But my leakage was small enough that I survived till the surgery was done within a few hours.
The reason why I am writing this: There is nothing you can do. No chest protection can help you. In case of a chest impact the spine moves towards the ribs and squeezes everything in between. So please riders, keep in mind that our body is fragile although there is so much protection out there. Ride safe and stop when you are exhausted.
  • 3 0
 It actually doesn't even have to be that bad of an impact when it comes to getting hit in the chest. A sudden hard impact to the chest can simply cause the heart to stop. Looking on google I think its "commotio cordis" and it happens if the chest is impacted near the heart at a certain point in the cycle of the heart beat causing the heart rhythm to be disrupted. There have been quite a few deaths to baseball players in recent years from this when they are struck in the chest with line drives or hit by pitches.
  • 2 0
 This, perhaps is how the great Jake Watson died, he went over the bars and had massive trauma to his chest...years ago at lake isabella, nothing could have saved him and it happened quickly. RIP Will, this is a sad sad moment.
  • 13 0
 May the trails be better over there. My condolences to his family, we'll all miss him
  • 11 0
 Very sad for his family. His kids…
I don’t think they read PinkBike, (I know for sure my wife and kids don’t)
so if someone can redirect all our thoughts and condolence to them, maybe it will be nice.
  • 14 0
 Rip
  • 14 0
 RIP
  • 12 0
 a sad loss for mountain biking..RIP will..thoughts are with your family and friends..one love
  • 9 0
 RIP to Will and deepest condolences to his family. My thoughts are also to the riders who came upon him and started CPR, continuing it for 30 or so minutes. I think about how this experience might stick with them, perhaps in a traumatic way, and I hope they can move on from it in a positive manner.
  • 22 0
 I immediately thought of the two riders on the scene when hearing this news. I lost a friend while skiing in a remote area 18 months ago and performed 40 minutes of CPR on him knowing deep in my heart that he was already dead, until the rescue helicopter arrived. I hope no-one reading this will ever have to go through such an ordeal but trust me, it is the worst. Writing a long letter just for myself helped me understand the facts of what happened that day but the joy I have been experiencing from biking this summer has only very recently allowed me to be in the right frame of mind to face reflecting on my deep feelings of the incident, then to be able to talk things through with a good friend of his and mine in order to truly find peace with it all. To those riders, if you read this, please know that talking about things is so important. And to any good friends of theirs, please offer your support and don't be scared to ask the tough questions that no-one else might want to ask in the coming weeks, months and years.
  • 7 0
 I have met the two riders and the others that were there as first responders. They are kind and wonderful people.... I was there on course and helped out. I have waves of profound sadness that come over me and it is hard to stop the tears.
  • 8 0
 maybe one day build and dedicate a trail for him that the community can always remember him by and celebrate his life & passion for the sport
  • 7 0
 Will was a local dude in my town. I only met him a few times on the trail or when he came into the shop where i work. He was very passionate about biking and loved every bit of it. He had incredible speed and I hope no one beats his KOM's! Everyone sure will miss him shredding. RIP WILL
  • 16 4
 prayers sent...
  • 27 1
 Come on guys let's keep it classy. We're grieving the loss of a friend here.
  • 10 0
 @freeride-forever with this comment here and a similarly toxic one you left on the event cancellation article here on PinkBike please see yourself out.
  • 2 0
 I actually thought that was directed towards me at the time. Now that I read it more than once and had the wife look at it , it made sense...Life is but round and sometimes we come across a stump in the trail that is unruley and that was a unruley comment. So yeah bro , I have the faith and I send prayers to all that RAMFB...Thank you Original Donk...
  • 6 0
 Just to be clear. Some troll named freeride-forever posted a comment below yours @slayemf. @GatoGordo and the rest of us responded to his post, not yours mentioning that you were sending prayers. He got down voted enough times that PB removed his trollish contribution. Now the progression looks odd and doesn't reflect what happened. Better than leaving his toxic comment on this page.
  • 8 0
 RIP Will. While we never met, your loss while racing will impact us all. I know that each one of us will ride on in your memory. My condolences to your friends and family.
  • 10 1
 Rest in peace, Will. Truely is sad for the whole mountain bike community
  • 5 0
 Just awful. Human beings are so tough, yet so terribly, tragically fragile. Nothing is worth dying for and my heart goes out to Will's family, his friends and those who made every effort to keep him with us yesterday. I hope you can find some peace in the wake of such a loss. RIP.
  • 7 0
 Such incredibly sad news. My thoughts are with the family and friends who are missing him.
  • 8 0
 He died doing what he loves...Ride in Peace up there Will.
  • 5 0
 This makes me reflect that we are one people - spread all around the world. Most of us dont know him personally but we pay our respects. Because we are one. That's just how it should be. Condolences to the family.
  • 3 0
 Heavy loss for all of the mtb community growing young in mountain biking today you look up to people that push the boundaries within the sport like this. My prayers sent to his family and loved ones, keep shredding Will you will be missed.
  • 4 0
 I just realized that met Will on Thursday morning at breakfast. We were chatting at a local breakfast place. He seemed like a super nice guy, and this is an absolute tragedy. Thoughts and prayers for Will and his family.
  • 3 0
 There's few things that will comfort a lost ones friends and family right now. But I hope someone has the capability of forwarding this entire thread to them to show the love and compassion this community has for one another and what a beautiful sport cycling Will had pleasure of living with.
  • 3 0
 So heavy and so sad. I can only imagine how excited he was to be competing in such a huge event in his own backyard with friends, family and community cheering him on. Truly a tragic loss. Shred the heavens, Will and all the healing vibes to your loved ones, friends and community. Rest easy, brother.
  • 3 0
 This hits really hard for not just his family and friends but as our community as a hole, I am glad to see pinkbike extending its reach by at least posting this. It shows that truly anything can happen in life at least this fellow rider and friend died living his life to the fullest. My fullest condolences to his family and friends...
  • 3 0
 Like most seasoned riders here I have had my taste of those moments where I have said goodbye to loved ones and contemplated my lifespan in a moment of unrelenting pain after a horrible crash. In those few moments I have seen and judged my life and came to the conclusion that riding mountain bikes has actually saved my life and made it a better one, a more full life. I don't think I could carry on without riding even if it is in total pain. So I am good with the fact that some day it could be me. I do not know Will but I feel I have rode with him as like all riders we feel the same wonderful feelings that riding 2 wheels gives us. That indescribable feeling only a cyclist can feel before, during and after any ride. I have nothing but respect for our sport and I am not neive in feeling it's in any way a safe sport. I am aware that if you ride you will fall off and it is a part of riding that we must accept. Along with car dooming, exploding wheels, breaking frames, handlebars and seat posts it becomes clear that just riding along is dangerous. I am proud of our community who rallied behind him in a respectful ride to honour his passion. Rest in Peace rider. we are thinking about you.
  • 2 0
 Im far, but as a rider i feel sad for such tragedy. My utmost condolences to his family and friends.
Rest in Peace Will.
ps: also take this opportunity to wish strength and a sense of hospitality to the entire organization and rescue services who lived this tragedy.
We are one!
  • 6 0
 Just dropping by to pay my respects. May you rest in peace Will Olson.
  • 2 0
 It's really sad to hear and all my condolences go out to friends and familj. But reading all the loving and caring comments really makes me More proud than ever to be a mountainbiker. Mountainbikers are family and even the pros take time to send love to the family. Ride in peace will and i hope your family gets all the support they need.
  • 3 0
 A little article about Will Olson and the Tribute ride by the riders on Sunday.

www.westword.com/news/will-olson-rip-cyclists-freak-accident-leads-to-bme-race-canceling-tribute-ride-6988248
  • 2 0
 My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Will. What a powerful reminder that our bodies are so fragile....you never know when your last day on Earth might be, so never take anyone for granted and live life to the fullest. I did not know Will either, but my thoughts are with his family and I will think of him each day I am on the mountain. May he ride on forever in our hearts and minds and forever remind all of us how blessed we are to live such a magnificent life! Ride In Peace Will Olson.
  • 2 0
 that regrettable read this, my family and I send our condolences from the south of the world, a lot of love to the family and friends who are left without the rider that insurance was loving what he was doing until the end.
  • 3 0
 RIP, Will. Even though I have never met you, I feel the loss as if I did. You never know when they're going to call your number...enjoy to the fullest until that time, all!
  • 3 0
 Ride in paradise Will.. Many of us never Will you but all of us wish his family and friends the best.. We lost a brother yesterday
  • 4 0
 Teared up reading the report last night in Boulder, CO. Hits close to home. RIP brother.
  • 2 0
 Never like hearing stuff like this. Never met him, but still it stinks that someone died. Everyone, please ride hard and stay safe. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
  • 3 0
 Really seemed like the worst things come to the best people. Unfortunate to say the least, you definitely will be, and already are, missed.
  • 3 0
 Amen Will, I never knew of you, but I do feel a loss, through that heartfelt comment at the top of this post by Pinkbike. Ride. In. Peace.
  • 1 0
 RIP Will; its accidents like this that make us remember that through all the fun and adrenaline rushes this is still a very dangerous sport. Yes helmets and other protective gear has come a long way and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are thankful for that. It isn't that often we hear about a death in the sport, generally a broken bone or concussion, but death is a very real possibility every time you let go of the brakes and send that huge line.
  • 2 0
 RIP Will. Tear the trails of heaven apart and look out for us as we shred the trails down on Earth. Next ride will be for you bud.
  • 2 0
 A lovely message from the Pinkbike crew. Condolences to family and friends. I hope you find solace in some of the nice messages here. A truly amazing community of people.
  • 1 0
 Next time that I'm out THERE on my BIKE having THE moment, I will think of Will thinking of the same thing Smile

We all know IT, it's why we do it. Mountain biking bridges the gap between human spirit and mother nature.
  • 4 2
 Rest in peace Will, its seriously tough hearing about a fellow rider going out like this. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
  • 2 0
 So sad, As large as this world may be, we are a real small community (MTB). RIP, my thoughts to family and friends during this difficult time.
  • 3 1
 Even though I never new will I am sure that your memory will be entwined throughout the mountain bike world, and as the sport progresses your life will stay with it. RIP Will
  • 4 0
 Requiescat in pace, Amen.
  • 3 0
 Very tragic news. Will, rest in peace. Condolences to all family and friends.
  • 2 0
 RIP, sorry to the family. This is the risk we take for the reward. at least he went out doing what he loved, still a horrible situation though.
  • 1 0
 We never met, Will but the loss of anyone, whilst doing what they love, is a tragedy.. A reminder that what we do is and can be dangerous, and that we must always ride to our capabilities... Rest In Peace Will Olsen
  • 3 0
 RIP Mate. You'll be missed
  • 3 0
 Shred forever bro. And all love to your family and friends.
  • 4 0
 #RideInPeaceWill
  • 2 0
 RIP Will, sorry you moved on so soon, TOO soon. Condolences to your loved ones.
  • 3 0
 Riposa In Pace ... amico ... God bless You and Your beloved ... Ciao
  • 4 1
 We lost a brothren in our small MTB community.... R.I.P. Will.
  • 4 1
 My next ride will be for you Will.
  • 3 1
 Ride that wheelie forever bro! Prayers and positive vibes to his family and close ones.
  • 3 0
 Ride in peace brother, ride in peace
  • 4 1
 He died doing what he loved...God bless Will and his family.
  • 3 0
 "The Thrill" WILL ride on with all of us
  • 3 0
 RIP Will. My condolences to his family. Next ride for you mate.
  • 3 0
 RIP, you will be greatly missed
  • 3 0
 Tragic. Taken too soon for sure.
  • 2 0
 Sad and tragic. RIP buddy and thank you for reming us how precious and fragile our lives can be. Paul
  • 2 0
 I have to say it is one of the few days when pinkbike didn´t contribute to my day being better, rather worse...RIP!!
  • 3 0
 RIP Will, ride on forever
  • 3 0
 RIP homes, ride in heaven with the angels
  • 3 0
 Anyone who rides a MTB is a friend of mine. RIP my friend.
  • 3 0
 rip. sad news. painful to hear
  • 3 0
 As tragic as it is, few get to leave this world doing what they love. RIP
  • 3 0
 Sad news. RIP Will condolences to your family and friends.
  • 2 0
 Wow thats just terrible. RIP. shred hard up there
  • 3 0
 Ride in Peace brother
  • 2 0
 rest in peace... thoughts going out to the Olson Family
  • 3 0
 Rip Will
  • 3 0
 RIP Will
  • 3 0
 Rest in Peace Bro...
  • 2 0
 Ciao Will.
See you at the start gate.... Frown
  • 2 0
 Ride in Peace Will!! God bless...
  • 2 0
 RIP. My thoughts goes to his family and friends. Snorre
  • 3 0
 So sad. RIP
  • 2 0
 My condolences to the family.
  • 2 0
 sad news for our community Frown
  • 2 0
 Thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of this great man. RIP.
  • 3 0
 RIP mate
  • 2 0
 cheers brother. peace be upon you.
  • 3 0
 RIP Bro.....
  • 3 0
 Very sad news, RIP
  • 2 0
 RIDE IN PEACE ...........
  • 2 0
 Rest in peace, Will. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
  • 2 0
 Ride in Peace. I feel for the family Frown
  • 2 0
 Horrible. Rest in Peace Will.
  • 1 0
 God rest your soul fellow biker, we pray for your family and their broken hearts..
  • 2 0
 RIP Will and condolences to all that knew and loved him.
  • 2 0
 RIP Will Leaving this world doing what you love, that's living!
  • 1 0
 RIP Will, never knew you but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
  • 2 0
 Rest in Peace and Ride in Peace brother.
  • 2 0
 RIP Will. My rides this weekend are for you fellow rider.
  • 2 0
 RIP brother.
  • 2 0
 RIP Will
  • 2 0
 RIIP WILL
  • 2 0
 RIP brother
  • 1 0
 Rest and Ride in peace Will.
  • 2 0
 Rest in peace..
  • 2 0
 RIP Brother.
  • 2 1
 RIP Will. Wishing comforting and healing vibes to your family and friends
  • 2 0
 RIP Will!
  • 2 0
 Ride in Peace, Will!
  • 2 0
 RIP, bike friend! Frown
  • 2 0
 one bike family! RIP
  • 2 0
 rip
  • 1 0
 So sad... Rest in peace brother.
  • 2 0
 Rest in Peace...
  • 2 0
 horrible… RIP rider
  • 2 0
 RIP
  • 1 0
 May you rest in peace, Will.
  • 2 0
 Rest in peace man
  • 1 0
 PB'ers! Go donate to help out Will's family- gofundme.com/5d5d5dqc6k
  • 1 0
 Will's Memorial Fund: www.gofundme.com/5d5d5dqc6k
  • 1 0
 All our prayers to the family and friends. Ride in peace
  • 1 0
 rip wil you will not be forgotten
  • 1 0
 Rest in paradise Will..
  • 1 0
 Rest in Peace.
  • 1 0
 RIP Will
  • 1 0
 RIP Will. RIP Ben.
  • 1 0
 RIP Rider.
  • 1 0
 RIP Condolences
  • 1 0
 RIP
  • 1 0
 RIP mate..
  • 1 0
 Ride in Peace Will.







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