While competing in the Leadville 100 for the 19th time, Johnstown, Colorado local Scott Ellis experienced a heart attack and subsequently died on Saturday according to velonews.com. The tragedy occurred while ascending the Power Line climb and although fellow competitors performed CPR on the scene shortly after the fall, Ellis was pronounced dead before ambulances arrived on the scene. A veteran of the competition, he competed on the Peloton-Specialized team from Fort Collins, CO.
Ellis was 55 years old and leaves behind his wife Connie. Life Time Fitness, who organizes the event, had this to say about the unfortunate event on Saturday:
“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.”
My heart is broken. Scott loved Leadville 100 MTB but on his 19th race he had a fatal heart attack. He loved this race.
— Alan Schenkel (@AlanSchenkel) August 16, 2015