A tragic incident occurred during the Rallye de La Ceramica 2026 in Spain’s Castellon province, resulting in the death of a young rally driver and leaving his brother, who was driving the car, in critical condition. The fatal crash took place on the CV-189 route between L’Alcora and Onda as the two rally driver siblings were competing in a Honda Civic. The vehicle veered off the track and collided with a crash barrier, claiming the life of Samuel Ortiz, 30, instantly, while his older brother Jordi, 33, was rushed to the hospital in a severe state.
Following the devastating accident, the organizers promptly halted the event as a gesture of respect. The Rallye Club Costa Azahar issued a statement expressing condolences to Samuel’s family and friends and wishing Jordi a speedy recovery. Firefighters had to extricate both individuals from the wreckage, confirming that Samuel died at the scene, while Jordi required immediate medical attention.
The motorsport community has been mourning the loss of Samuel Ortiz, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from various sources. Messages of sympathy and support have been extended to the Ortiz family and friends, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy. The organizers’ decision to suspend the competition was widely acknowledged as a necessary response to such a tragic event. The rally community continues to pay homage to Samuel Ortiz and offers well wishes for Jordi’s recovery during this difficult time.
