From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING EXTENDS SYMPATHY TO FAMILY OF FALLEN RIDER

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 26, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing offers heartfelt condolences to the family of Jason Ciarletta, 19, of Riverside, California. Ciarletta was fatally injured Saturday night during a race at the AMA Supercross event in San Diego, California.

“Our hearts and prayers are with Jason and his family during this difficult period,” said Steve Whitelock, AMA Pro Racing Motocross/Supercross Series Manager.

Ciarletta crashed during a qualifying heat in Saturday’s event, round four of the 16-round series. Trackside medical personnel accompanied by EMTs were with Ciarletta within seconds of the crash. Ciarletta was transported to Sharp’s Medical Center.

“All of us in the Supercross racing community are taking this hard,” said Whitelock Monday morning. “We’re a tight-knit group and this affects everyone involved with our series. I’m confident Jason’s family will receive a great deal of emotional support in dealing with their loss.”

Whitelock confirmed that this was the first fatality in the 31-year history of AMA Supercross racing.