Kristian Daniel Sr., Father of Moto3 Racer Kristian Daniel Jr., Dies in Catalonia Flooding
Authorities discovered Kristian Daniel Sr., 43, inside a flooded tunnel in Catalonia after severe storms. He was the father of American road racer Kristian Daniel Jr., and the family had moved from Los Angeles to Spain several years earlier to support the younger Daniel's racing career in Europe. Daniel Jr., who recently signed a Moto3 World Championship deal with KTM, posted a social media tribute and vowed to keep pursuing his goals.
Kristian Daniel Sr. was 43 and the father of American road racer Kristian Daniel Jr. Spanish reports said he was discovered near the family’s training van, which became trapped in a flooded tunnel in Les Franqueses del Vallès, near Barcelona. Relatives had reported him missing one day earlier. The storms that struck Catalonia were severe.
The family relocated from Los Angeles to Spain years ago so Daniel Jr. could compete in Europe. Daniel Jr. had just secured a Moto3 World Championship ride with KTM. In a social media tribute, he said he would keep chasing his goals and never give up, crediting his father for teaching him that.
This loss may resonate across the motorcycle racing community, especially among American fans and families supporting young riders in Europe. It could draw attention to the personal sacrifices behind elite motorsport pathways and to severe-weather risks in affected regions. Daniel Jr.’s response may shape how supporters view his upcoming Moto3 season, though the primary impact remains deeply personal for his family and team.