A rally driver has died following a horror crash (Image: Mirror)
A young rally driver has tragically lost his life in a devastating crash while his brother, who was at the wheel during the race, remains in intensive care. The catastrophic incident occurred during the Rallye de La Ceramica 2026 in Spain’s Castellon province on Friday, as the two siblings navigated the CV-189 between L’Alcora and Onda as part of the race route. The brothers were travelling in a Honda Civic when it left the track and ploughed into a crash barrier.
Samuel Ortiz, 30, was killed instantly in the horrific smash, while his elder brother Jordi, 33, was rushed to hospital in a “very serious condition”. Event organisers immediately called a halt to the remainder of the competition following the tragedy, reports The Sun.
The Rallye Club Costa Azahar released a statement saying: “During the second leg of the Rallye de la Ceramica on Friday, car number 32, crewed by brothers Jordi and Samuel Ortiz, was involved in a serious accident. As a result, co-driver Samuel died at the scene, while the driver was evacuated to Castellon General University Hospital in a very critical condition.
Emergency services attend the scene after the crash (Image: Mirror)
“Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Organizing Committee decided to suspend the event as a sign of mourning and respect. We would like to express our deepest condolences to Samuel’s family and friends, and wish Jordi a speedy recovery.”
Rescue workers were forced to cut both men free from the mangled wreckage, confirming in an official statement that one victim perished on impact. They said: “Firefighters have freed the two occupants of the vehicle.
“The first was treated by the event’s medical team and emergency responders. The death of the second occupant was confirmed at the scene and, following authorisation from the Civil Guard, firefighters proceeded with the extrication.”
Samuel Ortiz died in the incident (Image: Mirror)
Tributes have been pouring in from across the motorsport world following the devastating tragedy. President of the Valencian government JuanFran Perez Llorca wrote in a post on X: “Devastated by the death of Samuel Ortiz at the Rallye de la Cerámica being held in L’Alcora. My condolences to his family and to all those who loved him. Much strength to his brother Jordi, who remains hospitalized at the Hospital de Castellón. A very big hug to the entire family.”
Fellow motorsport enthusiast Jose Ramon Planelles Sanchez posted on Facebook: “Samuel Ortiz has died in the Rallye de La Ceramica. RIP. Much sadness in our rally world. A great person leaves us, always smiling. We will keep taking photos of you wherever you are.
“We hope for a speedy recovery for his brother Jordi, who is seriously injured in hospital. A big hug to family and friends.”
Villaviciosa Motorsport added: “We mourn the passing of co-driver Samuel Ortiz. R.I.P. We send our condolences to all his family and friends – much strength to everyone who knew him.
“And we wish his brother Jordi Ortiz a speedy recovery. Our support goes to the organisers – a wise decision to suspend the competition. When a tragedy like this happens nothing else makes sense.”
Emergency services respond at the scene (Image: Mirror)
Rallye Festival Hoznayo added: “We would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Samuel Ortiz. In these very difficult times, we send all our strength and best wishes for a swift and full recovery to his brother Jordi.
“A big hug to all his family, friends and loved ones. We share your grief. Rest in peace, Samuel.”