IN MEMORY: Pascal Lafontaine 1992-2020
His fight against cancer has been both humbling and inspirational.
9 Jul 2020
Photos courtesy of Pierre Gauthier
It’s the sad news we hoped we’d never have to share with you but our 2019 DIG Rider Of The Year Pascal Lafontaine has passed away.
His strength and courage in his fight against cancer has been both humbling and inspirational. Our heartfelt thoughts and love go out to his friends and family from everyone at DIG and the wider BMX community. Here's a reminder of his incredible final video part and look at some of the tributes that have been paid to him from across the BMX world.
His Mother released this statement yesterday:
"My son Pascal Lafontaine left us yesterday afternoon. He left peacefully surrounded by his family. He fought his cancer with exceptional and extraordinary courage. He continued to receive treatment despite the great fatigue and pain that would cause him. He didn’t want to leave this life that he cherished so much.
We, his family, would like to thank all the people who have given Pascal words of encouragement and support during his last five years of fighting. Let’s remember that due to his cancer, Pascal suffered an amputation of his leg in 2015. He would have been 28 years old on July 20th." - Pierrette Tetreault
Just over a month ago Pascal had posted about being honoured to receive a letter of congratulations for his achievements in BMX from the Minister of Culture for Quebec.
Mr Lafontaine,
Allow me to take a few minutes of your time to sincerely congratulate you for being awarded the title of ‘Rider of the Year’ by the prestigious DIG Magazine earlier this year.
This recognition is the result of your determination and commitment towards this sport. Your story is one of inspiration and extraordinary resilience. You are a role model for young Quebec athletes. Your success shines a light on Boucherville. You make us proud!
I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your sporting career, and hope that you will reach the objectives you set yourself. I also wish you great courage in your fight against your illness. I sincerely hope that you will soon be on the mend.
Sincerely,
Nathalie Roy Minister of Culture and Education, Quebec.
He followed that up just under a week later with this post about sadly having to sell his bike.
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