Manuel García Vitoria, also known by his nickname “Murchi”, has passed away at the age of 61. Local reports explained García was taken into urgent cure on Thursday for a pulmonary embolism.

Born on January 5, 1965, García boasted extensive rally experience that included Dakar, the Rallye des Pharaons, Merzouga Rally, Hellas Rally Raid, and Rallye du Maroc. He competed in Dakar twice on a bike, retiring in 2006 and finishing 80th overall in 2010.

In 2011, he founded Club Aventura Touareg. Based in Morocco, the non-profit offers rider support in rallies around the country and beyond like the Dakar Rally and other World Rally-Raid Championship events. For next week’s Desafío Ruta 40, David Chavez and Antonio Ubis are competing under the Club Aventura Touareg banner in Rally2.

Even as his focus shifted toward running the club, he continued to race events like the Intercontinental Rally, which he was a winner of, and Rallye du Maroc. Last July, García finished seventh in class at the Baja Aragón.

“A prominent figure in the bivouac, an experienced driver, and a great specialist in desert navigation, Murchi generously shared his experience, his assistance and good humor with everyone. The Dakar organization extends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones,” reads a statement from the ASO.

Featured image credit: ASO