A young rally driver has tragically lost his life in a horrific crash, while his brother, who was driving the vehicle, remains in intensive care. The devastating incident occurred during the Rallye de La Ceramica 2026 in Spain's Castellon province on Friday evening.
Crash Details
The two brothers, both rally drivers, were navigating the CV-189 road between L'Alcora and Onda as part of the race course. They were travelling in a Honda Civic when the vehicle left the track and collided with a crash barrier. Samuel Ortiz, 30, serving as co-driver, was killed instantly. His older brother Jordi, 33, who was driving, was rushed to hospital in a very serious condition.
Event Suspended
Organisers immediately suspended the remainder of the event following the tragedy. The Rallye Club Costa Azahar issued a statement: 'During the second leg of the Rallye de la Ceramica on Friday, car number 32, crewed by brothers Jordi and Samuel Ortiz, was involved in a serious accident. As a result, co-driver Samuel died at the scene, while the driver was evacuated to Castellon General University Hospital in a very critical condition. Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Organizing Committee decided to suspend the event as a sign of mourning and respect. We would like to express our deepest condolences to Samuel's family and friends, and wish Jordi a speedy recovery.'
Emergency Response
Firefighters had to extricate both men from the wreckage. They confirmed that one victim died upon impact. In a statement, they said: 'Firefighters have freed the two occupants of the vehicle. The first was treated by the event's medical team and emergency responders. The death of the second occupant was confirmed at the scene and, following authorisation from the Civil Guard, firefighters proceeded with the extrication.'
Tributes
Tributes have poured in from across the motorsport world. Jose Ramon Planelles Sanchez wrote: 'Samuel Ortiz has died in the Rallye de La Ceramica. RIP. Great sadness in our rally world. A great person leaves us, always smiling. We will keep taking photos of you wherever you are. We hope for a speedy recovery for his brother Jordi, who is seriously injured in hospital. A big hug to his family and friends.' Villaviciosa Motorsport added: 'We mourn the passing of co-driver Samuel Ortiz. R.I.P. We send our condolences to all his family and friends – much strength to everyone who knew him. And we wish his brother Jordi Ortiz a speedy recovery. Our support goes to the organisers – a wise decision to suspend the competition. When a tragedy like this happens nothing else makes sense.' Rallye Festival Hoznayo also paid tribute: 'We would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Samuel Ortiz. In these very difficult times, we send all our strength and best wishes for a swift and full recovery to his brother Jordi. A big hug to all his family, friends and loved ones. We share your grief. Rest in peace, Samuel.'
