Portuguese rider Jorge Brandao, 47, died on Friday, October 17, following a crash during Stage 5 of the Morocco Rally, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) announced. Brandao crashed in the dunes at kilometer 214 of the stage during his second appearance at the event. The medical team attended to him on site before transferring him by air to a hospital in the Moroccan city of Erfoud, where he died at 1:55 p.m. from his injuries, according to the New York Post. The FIM extended condolences to Brandao's family and friends in their statement. A veteran competitor in enduro and cross-country rallies worldwide, Brandao had recently announced plans to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally, scheduled for January 3-17 in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, he won the Veterans circuit and finished ninth overall at the Baja Aragon 2025. That victory held particular significance for Brandao, who had suffered a serious injury at the same event years prior that nearly ended his career. The Morocco Rally, a rally-raid event running since 2000, began on October 10 and concluded on Friday, October 17.
