Motorcyclist who died during Pikes Peak Hill Climb qualifying identified

Qualifying and practice were suspended Thursday following a deadly accident on Pikes Peak, Hill Climb officials confirm.

Carl Sorensen, 39, died when his motorcycle crashed on the mountain.

A witness tells KRDO NewsChannel 13 that Sorensen’s motorcycle went over a cliff.

“We were up there practicing earlier, and somebody went off the road over the edge at a pretty fast part, probably about a mile or so from the summit,” motorcyclist Joe Prussiano said. “We stayed in the top for a while, while they attended to him. After probably less than an hour they ushered us back down to our trucks and stuff. And held us there while they had more medical people come up.”

In a statement, the Hill Climb said Sorensen will be remembered as “a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend with a tremendous sense of humor and a passion for racing.” The statement goes on to say that Sorensen died doing something he loved.

Also Thursday, six people were hit by lightning on Pikes Peak. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says five people were treated and released, but one required additional medical care.