Elmer Symons - 2007 Dakar Rally

Elmer Symons (L) and Chris Blais. Photo: Scott Cox

Elmer Symons in Fatal Dakar Rally Accident

January 9, 2007 - The organizers of the Dakar were this morning informed of the death of South African Elmer Symons, rider number 107, during the 4th stage.

Symons was accident occurred in Morocco.  This is the fourth fatality in the event in only the past three years.  24 riders have met their fate in the Dakar Rally over the past 29 years of the race and a total of 49 people have been killed.

At the age of 29, Elmer Symons was taking part in his first Dakar as a competitor having participated in two others as part of an assistance team.

The rally organizers waited for the arrival at the bivouac of his brother Kingsley (Phillip) Symons, who was providing assistance for him, in order to express their support and sadness.

According to Dr. Johnathan Edwards, Elmer's rally nearly ended two days ago when his team's assistance truck was disabled in Spain due to severe mechanical problems.  Undeterred, Elmer and his brother Phillip stowed their gear (or small bits and pieces of it) into any nook and cranny they could beg or borrow.  Several of Elmer's fellow competitors took pity on his dire situation and extended a helping hand.  Apparently, once a little of Elmer's race gear was stowed, precious little room was left for anything else.

"Elmer's brother Phillip somehow thumbed a ride down here (to Morocco) in somebody's vehicle.  Not sure who.  I don't even think he was able to carry personal gear with him because there's just no extra room in any of the vehicles," Said Dr. Edwards.  "I felt so sorry for Phillip last night as it was so cold here in the Atlas Mountains, I managed to hooked him up with clothing so he wouldn't freeze.  Those Symon's brothers are a tough bunch."

I was very fortunate to have known Elmer Symons and anyone who'd had the pleasure of riding with him can attest to the fact that he was possessed by the unique spirit that Dakar competitors are made of.  Participating in the 2007 Dakar - his first entry as a racer (this was his 3rd entry in the Dakar; having wrenched for Scot Harden in 2005 and James Embro in 2006) was his lifelong dream.  Elmer's grin and good humor were contagious and he will be sorely missed.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his brother Phillip and he Symons family, his fellow teammate James Embro, and to the many friends that Elmer touched during his short life.