TEMECULA, CA – An overflow crowd of about 500 people gathered at Calvary Chapel on Monday, Aug. 18 to pay tribute to 16-year-old motorcross phenom Aidan Zingg, who died during a mid-race crash in late June.
Many people wore T-shirts bearing Zingg’s initials, AZ, and his riding No. 39. Others wore colorful attire, with the Celebration of Life’s notice having stated, “Please join us in honoring Aidan’s vibrant spirit by wearing … bright colors, bold prints, or AZ39 Forever shirts.’’
Pastor Jeff Jetton looked out at the packed chapel and said, “This place is full because of the impact (Aidan) made.’’
Jetton and other speakers stood on stage behind a lectern just to the right of Zingg’s dirt bike, a green and black Kawasaki with plate No. 39. The speakers included his older sister, Alex, who spoke through tears.
She described Aidan as “the kindest, funniest, most happy, respectful kid.’’ But, it turns out, there was another side to her brother, Alex said.
“The kid was not one for subtlety,’ she said. “He stormed up the stairs when he wanted to make an entrance.’’
Aidan stormed onto center stage of the amateur motorcross world last year when he won his first AMA national championship. The victory took place at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., site of the most prestigious event in amateur motocross.
With the performance, Aidan secured a two-year sponsorship deal with Kawasaki. At Monday’s service, Aidan’s younger brother, Bobby, wore a black and green Kawasaki shirt.
Bobby, his sister and parents, Bob and Shari, cried before the ceremony as people approached to give them hugs and share words of condolence.
Monday’s event was billed as a Celebration of Life, and there was supposed to have been a much different celebration at this time of year. Aidan had qualified again for the amateur AMA National Championship.
But he died during a mid-race crash at Mammoth Lakes, California on June 28, about four weeks before he was to compete at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
“I think he did some pretty amazing things in his life,’’ Alex said during the service, “and I choose to believe it went beyond him as a person.’
A slide show captured Aidan’s life on and off dirt bikes, which his parents previously said Aidan began riding at age 5.
Josh Mosiman, a professional motocross rider and one of the speakers, said Aidan indicated that by 21, he wanted to know the woman he would marry. But there were other plans, too.
‘He wanted to be a pro rider,” Mosiman said, ‘and he was well on his way.”