SALT LAKE CITY (BRAIN) — Chase Pinkham, a domestic pro road racer who competed on the Jamis–Hagens Berman, Trek-Livestrong and Bissell teams during his career, died Monday, according to the Jamis team and news reports. VeloNews.com is reporting that a friend of Pinkham's family said the death was caused by an accidental overdose of painkillers.
Members of the U.S. cycling community paid tribute to Pinkham across social media this week. Jamis Bicycles also issued a press release with statements from Jamis president Carine Joannou and team members.
Joannou said, "I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a brave and talented athlete. Despite the chronic pain that he suffered, his love for cycling inspired him to attempt to overcome his injuries and pain and continue training and racing at the highest level."
Jamis team director Sebastian Alexandre added, "It is very sad to see a young life go away like this."
This season, Pinkham raced for the Utah-based InterMountain LiveWell p/b Bountiful Cycles team, which is co-sponsored by the Bountiful Cycles bike shop in Woods Cross, Utah. Pinkham was recovering from a broken leg resulting from a crash at the Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Arizona in February.
