JOCKEY Miguel Mena has died aged 34 after being struck by a car on the motorway.
The Grade 1-winning rider, who leaves behind a wife and two young children, was killed on Halloween in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mena, who had more than 2000 victories to his name, was walking next to Interstate-64 in Jeffersontown, Kentucky.
Mena’s death was ruled ‘accidental’ by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office in Kentucky.
It was determined that the jockey had died of blunt force trauma. No charges against the driver of the vehicle are pending, according to police, but an investigation is underway.
Police Chief Rick Sanders told The Associated Press that Mena got out of his car, crossed the eastbound lanes of the highway, climbed over a wall and was struck by a vehicle traveling in the westbound lanes. He died at the scene.
Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs racetrack, where Mena had many victories, paid tribute to the punter favourite.
He said: “This news is absolutely shocking, terrible and heartbreaking.
“Our team is devastated to learn of Miguel’s passing. He was such a courageous rider who fought to overcome several challenges and adversity.
“We’ll miss his bright smile. Our deepest condolences are extended to his many friends, fellow riders and family, and our immediate thoughts are with his wife April and his daughters Naelah and Montserrat.”
Mena was incredibly successful on the track, after arriving in the US from Peru at the age of 17 and recording his first win as a jockey in 2003.
His mounts racked up career earnings on the track of more than £50million, but a terrible injury in 2018 halted his rapid progress.
‘MY HEART HURTS’
Mena shattered eight bones in his ankle and heel in March 2018 and needed eight months recovery before returning to the saddle.
His determination to get back was recognised in February 2020 when he was named winner of the first Randy Romero Pure Courage Award, which recognises an active jockey who has overcome adversity.
Mena had won 49 races from 516 rides this year, with his last win coming the day before he was killed.
Fellow jockeys paid tribute to Mena – a huge football fan who supported Man City – after his death was confirmed.
Alex Canchari said: “My heart hurts right now. I can’t believe this.
“RIP my friend Miguel Mena. A devoted father, an amazing/fearless jockey and a role model to so many.
‘GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN’
“My heart is broken for Miguel’s family. I have no words. Rest easy Cholo.”
While Mena’s close friend and jockey agent Jose Santos Jr tweeted: “RIP Miguel Mena.
“Over the past two years I’ve had the fortune to work side by side with Miguel.
“One of the most likeable guys I had been around. Eternally appreciate the opportunity he gave me.
“Condolences to his family and all that loved him. RIP Cholo. Gone but not forgotten.”
