Scott Ellis, Mountain Biker, Dies at 55 During Leadville 100 Race

Mountain biker Scott Ellis died near the end of the Leadville 100 race in Colorado’s mountains Saturday, per a report from the Associated Press.

Ellis was a 55-year-old Colorado native and his was the first death in the 32-year history of the 100-mile race. The race’s course takes riders through the Colorado mountains and into high altitudes and is nicknamed the “Race Across the Sky.”         

The report noted that “Ellis' Peloton-Specialized team said he apparently suffered a heart attack while competing in his favorite race, but Lake County coroner Shannon Dent would only say that he suspected natural causes in Ellis' death.”

Life Time Fitness organized the race and offered a statement, via the AP: "The entire Leadville family is saddened by the passing of Mr. Ellis. As a 19-time participant in the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, he embodied the spirit of Leadville and truly will be missed."   

Bicyclist Lance Armstrong—who once participated in this race—also offered his support:

According to the AP, Ellis’ death came two weeks after mountain biker Will Olson died during the Colorado stop of the Enduro World Series.