The KTM Factory Racing Team was plunged into mourning this month with the news that promising MX2 rider , Rene Hofer , was killed while skiing in Austria . Shortly after midday on December 4 , 2021 , during an alpine skiing trip with 10 friends , the 19-year-old Austrian and seven others in his group were caught by an avalanche . Rene and two of his friends did not survive the incident . Rene Hofer , was a multi-time junior champion and GP winner with a bright future in Grand Prix ahead of him . Hofer joined the KTM Factory Racing Team in 2020 with a two-year contract . The KTM family says he will be remembered not only for his talent on the track , but also for his approachable , fun-loving and friendly personality , along with his ever-present smile .