Winter X Games suffers first fatality after snowmobile crash victim Caleb Moore dies

The 25-year-old died last night after being critically injured while attempting a backflip at the event in Colorado last week.

Winter X Games snowmobiler Caleb Moore died after a crash at the event in Aspen.

A snowmobiler has died from injuries sustained in an horrific crash at the Winter X Games last week.

Freestyle rider Caleb Moore became the first fatality in the event's history after last night succumbing to injuries suffered in the crash in Aspen, Colorado, last Thursday.

The 23-year-old was critically injured when he was sent flying over the handlebars while attempting a backflip. He landed face first into the snow before his machine crashed on top of him.

The four-time X Games medallist from Texas was airlifted to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for bleeding around his heart, according to ESPN, which founded and organises the X Games.

"He will be truly missed and never forgotten," his family said in a statement.

"The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all the prayers and support they have received from all the fans, friends and family around the world that Caleb has inspired."

Moore is the first fatality in the 18-year history of the X Games, which features athletes competing in a number of extreme sports.

"We are deeply saddened by Caleb Moore's passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Wade and Michelle, his brother, Colten, and the entire Moore family," said ESPN in a statement on their website.

"He will be remembered for his natural passion for life and his deep love for his family and friends, and he will always be an inspiration to everyone he touched in the action sports community.

ESPN added that there will be an investigation to the crash but noted that the trick was one Moore had attempted and landed cleanly many times before.

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