In life, we go about with this idea that if we do good things and eat healthy, we can make it last longer. We tell ourselves that exercising every day and taking care of our bodies will keep us around for a few more years. However, while these habits are essential to balance and stability, nothing guarantees our time in this world. While any life lost too early brings deep sorrow, there’s something extra disheartening about losing a life that was destined for big things. Such was the case for Tijl De Decker.

Belgian cyclist Tijl De Decker tragically succumbed to horrific injuries that he got from a tragic accident while training. The news was announced by his professional team Lotto-Dstny this Friday. “The team is shaken,” their statement read. The 22-year-old sustained his injuries from a vehicular collision while training.

De Decker was one of Belgium’s rising stars, having won the Paris-Roubaix U-21 race and finished fourth in the German classic, Eschborn-Frankfurt U-23 this year.

How the Accident Occurred

According to the team statement, De Decker suffered his injuries after accidentally hitting the back of a car with some force. He was then hospitalized at Lier and has been in an artificial coma ever since. Following this, he even underwent an operation before being transferred to the Antwerp University Hospital.

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The incident has triggered a new debate about the existing safety measures present in cycling. These rules pertaining to the safety of the athletes were amended in time for the Tour de France in July. They included new measures with the intention of protecting riders on some downhill stages.

The incident immediately sparked flashbacks to the tragic accident in June involving Gino Mäder. Mäder had gone off the road, lost control, and fell into a ravine before passing away at the hospital.