BOULDER, COLORADO: Magnus White, the 17-year-old American cyclist dubbed a "rising star" died in an accident on Saturday, July 29. He is survived by his father Michael White, mother Jill White and brother Eero. The teen was on a training ride near his home in Boulder, Colorado, when he was struck by a vehicle reportedly driven by a 23-year-old woman.
White was scheduled to compete in the Junior Men's Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Championships on August 10 and was reportedly on one of his final training rides before leaving for Glasgow when the fatal accident occurred. The woman was reportedly driving a Toyota Matrix and struck White from behind, forcing him off the road into a fence along with his bike. The news of White's tragic and untimely death was announced by USA Cycling.
What is known about Magnus White's parents?
White is survived by his father Michael and his mother Jill. Although not much is known about his parents' personal lives, the family-of-four was well loved in the community. White reportedly racing at a national level when he was 10 years old and credited his father for introducing him to cycling. "When I was growing up, my dad really got me into cycling because he raced road, then I discovered my local team (Boulder Junior Cycling), which has some really great coaches who got me where I am today," the teen said in a profile for USA Cycling.
"In the summer of 2023, I am set to embark on a new and exciting chapter of my cycling career: a debut in the international mountain bike racing circuit, proudly wearing the Team USA jersey," he added in the same profile. In the wake of White's death, Christine Lipson (Rapinz), the mother of White's close friend and teammate, launched a GoFundMe fundraiser with the permission of Michael and Jill to support the White family.
"Help us honor the memory of Magnus White, a bright and talented 17-year-old, who tragically lost his life on Saturday, July 29, in Boulder, CO. Magnus was taken from us while doing what he loved most, riding his bike. Magnus’s family is strong, but support from their community will go a long way to give them time to grieve," the fundraiser read. "Magnus leaves behind his parents Jill and Michael and his brother Eero and countless friends worldwide. The family will use any contributions as needed for support of moving through this tragic period," it added. The GoFundMe page has raised over $57,500 at the time of writing.
'A very dear family'
Following White's tragic demise, several people took to Facebook to remember the cyclist and offered their support and condolences to his parents. "A Very dear family, friends that we have known for 10 years just lost their 17 year old to a reckless random accident. My heart is crushed. Our boys were riding and racing buddies when we lived in Colorado. Jill, Mike and Eero we love you and cannot fathom this incredible deep and painful sorrow. Please consider a small donation," wrote Jill Lisa Seigel Stone.
"Oh my god, we know them. They used to be our neighbors," one user commented. "I’m so upset. They are a wonderful family. I’m devastated for Jill and Michael (and Eero). Damnit," the user added. "Such a tragedy. I’m feeling so heartbroken for the family and the community," another wrote. "Many of us who raced knew Magnus. Because of his age and because he mostly raced cyclocross, our paths rarely crossed - but when they did, it was a pleasure," said Becky Furuta in a Facebook post.
"As a mother, I cannot imagine the grief of his parents. Every time you send your children into the world, there's a small part of you holding your breath. As a cyclist, it reminds me of how quickly things can turn on an ordinary ride," she mentioned. "Yesterday, I was driving down the diagonal when I saw a car in a ditch with a shattered windshield and the wreckage of a bicycle nearby. It's a route my friends and I ride all the time thanks to the wide shoulders and proliferation of other bikes. I slowed down and sent up a silent prayer that it wouldn't be someone I knew. It was Magnus," Furuta added.
"This hits too close to home. Caleb raced several races this year with Magnus White. Although we didn't know him personally, the cycling community is very close knit and when one family hurts, we all do. I can't imagine what his parents are going through. His talent was inspirational. If you think to, please say a prayer for the White family and his teammates tonight," wrote Kerry Hardwick Lopez.
