A DEVASTATING new detail has emerged in the tragic death of 29-year-old jockey Alex Canchari.
US-based rider Canchari’s ‘sudden and unexpected’ passing was confirmed by his sister Ashley yesterday.
Canchari, centre, died ‘suddenly’… as it emerged his fiancee is pregnant with their third child
He leaves behind a fiancee, Brooke-Lyn, and two young children, Leon and Penelope.
According to the Star Tribune, a GoFundMe page set up to support the three revealed Brooke-Lyn is pregnant with their third child, due in August.
Ashley’s highly emotional Facebook post was shared yesterday as news of her brother’s death spread.
She wrote: “My heart physically hurts. I’m so sorry you were in so much pain Alex and thought there was no other way out.
“I know you’re happy again with Dad. I don’t even know what else to say, this is an unbelievable loss.”
She later added: “Alex had a heart of gold and encouraged and saw the good in everyone. We wish he could have seen that light in himself.
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“All funds raised will benefit his children. Due to the circumstance of his death, there are no life insurance policies available.
“Please help Brooke and the kids during this difficult time. We appreciate you all so much and know Alex was deeply loved by so many.”
Terry Meyocks, CEO and president of the Jockeys’ Guild, said: “It’s extremely sad.
“That family has been through so much the last three years.”
Canchari’s older brother Patrick was critically injured in a car crash in March 2020.
HEARTBREAKING FEW YEARS
He suffered a traumatic brain injury and has endured severe ongoing health problems as a result.
Canchari’s dad Luis – who the jockey was said to be ‘extremely close’ with – passed away in December the same year.
No details have emerged of the circumstances surrounding Canchari’s death.
The jockey – whose eldest child is about to turn four – was incredibly popular with punters and regarded a true fan favourite.
He raced frequently at Canterbury Park, a track based in Minnesota, and had more than 1,000 career winners and £23.4million earnings.
Devastated friends and racing fans paid their own tributes online.
One wrote: “You never know what pain someone is carrying, even when they’re laughing.”
Another said: “Waking up to the tragic news of the passing of Alex Canchari and everything comes to a pause.
“He was the first ever jockey I talked to and a great friend.”
SECOND JOCKEY DEATH THIS YEAR
While one message read simply: “A terrible loss.”
Canchari’s tragic death comes less than a month after fellow US rider Avery Whisman passed away aged 23.
Legendary jockey Mike Smith was among those who paid tribute to his ‘little brother’.
One report said Whisman had suffered a ‘prolonged struggle with the unrelenting physical and mental demands put on riders’.
His sister Emma told bloodhorse.com: “He had the biggest heart. He wanted everyone to know they were loved and cherished by him.
“We are not ashamed of what happened. We hope this tragedy can help someone else.
“We never want anyone to go through the pain we are suffering.”