DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 14, 2011) - AMA Pro Racing is saddened to announce that AMA Pro Hillclimb rider Shawn Farnsworth has succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash Sunday during the AMA Pro Hillclimb season finale in Oregonia, Ohio. Following the incident on the hill, Farnsworth was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio and died Monday evening.

Farnsworth, a third-generation hillclimber who raced for Tom Reiser's Harley-Davidson in 2011, was well-known in the hillclimb community and was highly respected for his contributions to the sport. He earned the 2009 AMA Pro Hillclimb Unlimited Class Rookie of the Year award, was voted as 2010 Sportsman of the Year by his fellow PHA members and also successfully promoted the AMA Pro Hillclimb National in Canaan, N.H.

"The hillclimb community isn't just a group of racers, we consider ourselves a family," said a representative for the Professional Hillclimbers Association. "We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a great competitor, friend and family member."

Farnsworth is the son of Henry and Carla Farnsworth and is survived by his wife of 15 years, Yarrow, their two young sons, Sheldon and Roman, and his brother, Michael. Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, October 17, at the Canaan Hall located at the Canaan Race Track in Canaan, N.H. A funeral service will begin at noon at the hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Yarrow Farnsworth, c/o Amanda Campbell/PHA, 1464 Grapevine Road Sissonville, WV 25320 or to The Lake Sunapee Bank, Enfield Office, for Sheldon J. and Roman D. Farnsworth, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 419, Enfield, N.H. 03748.