Published August 17, 2015 12:00AM
Racer Dies During Leadville 100
Mountain biker collapses on course
Scott Ellis was a 19-time participant in the Leadville Trail 100.
Scott Ellis, a veteran competitor in the Leadville Trail 100, died of an apparent heart attack during Saturday’s race, according to the event’s official Facebook page.
Ellis lived in Johnstown, Colorado, and was taking part in the Leadville Trail 100 for the 19th time, according to the Coloradoan. The 55-year-old was ascending the course’s Power Line climb, near mile 82, when he collapsed, VeloNews reported. Fellow competitors called 911 and performed chest compressions until help came. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he passed away before the ambulance arrived.
Gale Bernhardt, a longtime friend of Ellis, said she had gone on 125 consecutive monthly trips to Estes Park with Ellis.
“Scott was probably one of the most honest and trustworthy people that I know,” Bernhardt told the Coloradoan. “Honestly, he used to tell me and other people that if he got to choose how he’d want to die, he’d want to do so doing something he loved.”
