Niki Lauda, a Formula 1 racing legend, has passed away at age 70. According to a statement from his family, Lauda peacefully passed away on Monday while being surrounded by his family members.
“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday,” a statement said. “His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain. A role model and a benchmark for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed.”
Lauda, a three-time champion, was involved in a devastating crash on August 1, 1976, that left him with severe burns to his body and lungs when he was just 27 years old. However, he was able to rapidly recover and returned just 40 days later before winning the world championship the following racing season.
Following his racing career, Lauda served as a non-executive chairman of the world champion Mercedes team.
Lauda is survived by his first wife, Marlene Knaus, his second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, and his five children, Mathias, Christoph, Lukas, Max, and Mia Lauda.
All of the information we know about Lauda’s passing can be seen below.
Niki Lauda Cause of Death: Natural Causes
Niki Lauda passed away on Monday, May 20, following complications from a lung transplant. Lauda had been dealing with health issues since a vacation in Ibiza eight months ago and was placed in the hospital for two months.
