Do what you love, and you won’t have to work a day in your life. Zoe Clay was a young woman who pursued her passion for cycling and made a name for herself in the cycling community.
Clay was attached to her bike like it was a part of her. Her peers described the young cyclist as the one to make an “immediate impression.” The fearless Clay simply loved to ride bikes and was determined to make it as a professional mountain biker.
The right guidance from her coach, Jon Hamblen, helped her to get pro ranking and become a reliable team member for the Velocious Sports team.
But never would the cyclist community imagine that Clay would bid them adieu so soon.
On October 8, 2023, Zoe Clay died in a tragic accident while she was racing her mountain bike in Greensboro. She was pronounced dead at the hospital after the doctors’ attempt to save her from critical injuries. The cycling community, family, and friends mourn her sudden demise. A GoFundMe page was set up for the 23-year-old cyclist for funeral expenses. Since then, over $27,000 in generous contributions have been made to Zoe Clay.Â
Who Is Zoe Clay? What Happened To Her?
Zoe Clay was known in the community to be a vibrant young woman who lived life to the fullest and went after what she wanted.
Clay lived in Virginia, graduated from Western Albemarle High School, and later earned an undergraduate degree from WFU University in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
When Clay joined the cycling community in Winston Salem, her peers admired her for her determination, enthusiasm, and dedication to MTB sport. Jon Hamblen coached her to compete in the extreme sport along some of teh wildest and most steep terrains.
Moreover, Zoe never shied away from any challenge. Just a week ago, Clay was dominating the USCX Series and was lauded by her team members for her unwavering spirit to victory.
But no one could have imagined what transpired a week later.
On October 8, 2023, Zoe Clay was racing her usual mountain bike in Greensboro. In sudden, unforeseeable circumstances, Clay met with a fatal accident. She sustained critical injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
However, due to the nature of the wounds, doctors deemed her treatment futile and called the time of death on the same day. Reportedly, Clay was just 23 years old at the time of her death.
Zoe Clay Accident and GoFundMe Campaign
Since her untimely demise, Clay’s friends set up a GoFundMe page for the promising young woman for her funeral expenses. A fellow cyclist and friend, David Fain, dedicated a post in memory of Clay and urged people to support her GoFundMe page. The post says–
“Sad to report that Zoe Clay was in a tragic accident on 10/8 while racing mountain bikes in Greensboro. When Zoe joined the cycling community of Winston Salem, she made an immediate impression. Fast & fearless – she loved to ride bikes!!! Road bikes, cross bikes & mountain bikes…. It didn’t matter. She joined the Velocious Sports team and started racing her way to the top of the pro rankings under the guidance of her coach, Jon Hamblen. Now, she and her family need your prayers and your support. Please consider helping if you can. All support at the following GoFundMe link will go directly to the family to help with medical expenses.”
Another friend extended her condolences to Clay’s family in a post, stating–
“Please consider any prayers, thoughts, and support for her and for her family. She is such a vibrant young woman who lives life to the fullest and spreads her enthusiasm for life and cycling wherever she goes. A GoFundMe account has been set up if anyone would like to help.”
Click below if you wish to contribute to her GoFundMe campaign–
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think mountain biking is an extremely risky sport? Let us know in the comments section below.