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Samuel Ortiz, who competed in rally races, died in a car crash during the Rallye de La Cerámica race in Spain. His older brother Jordi Ortiz is in critical condition.
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The racing community has lost a star.
Rally driver Samuel Ortiz died at age 30 in a car crash with his brother Jordi Ortiz—who was hospitalized—during the Rallye de La Cerámica race in Spain May 29.
"During the course of the second stage of the Rally de la Cerámica, held on Friday afternoon/evening," the Rallye Club Costa Azahar shared in a statement translated from Spanish on Facebook May 30, "brothers Jordi and Samuel Ortiz suffered a serious accident, as a result of which the co-driver (Samuel) died on the spot."
The committee noted that 32-year-old Jordi, who was driving the car, was admitted to a nearby hospital "in a very serious condition."
The Rallye Club Costa Azahar confirmed that the second day of the race would be canceled.
"After being made aware of the situation, the Organizing Committee of the Ceramic Rally 2026 has decided to suspend the race as a sign of grief and respect," the statement continued. "We want to convey our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends of Samuel and the prompt recovery of Jordi."
Unlike circuit racing, which involves driving on a closed asphalt track, rally racing takes place on public roads across different terrain and can last for multiple days.
Samuel—who died before authorities arrived at the scene—and Jordi were driving at night in the northeast province of Castellón when their car crashed into a guardrail, the Castellón Province Fire Department shared on Facebook May 30.
Following the news, fellow motorsports stars paid tribute to the drivers, with Jose Ramon Planelles Sanchez writing on Facebook, translated from Spanish, "A lot of sadness in our rally world."
Castellón Province Fire Department/Facebook
"We are leaving a great person, always smiling," he added. "A big hug to your family and friends at the Rallye Club Costa Azahar."
Meanwhile, Villaviciosa Motorsport spoke out on the tragedy.
"We send our condolences to all the family and friends, much encouragement to all who knew him," the organization wrote on Facebook of Samuel. "We wish his brother Jordi Ortiz (driver) a speedy recovery."
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