Jockey Miguel Mena was tragically killed in a vehicular accident on Sunday night in Louisville, Ky. The 34-year-old was struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian on Interstate 64, according to wave3.com. Local police are calling the death an accident.
A native of Peru, Mena moved to the United States at age 17. Basing his career in the Midwest, Mena won 2,079 races from just over 16,000 starts.
Mena was presented with the inaugural Randy Romero “Pure Courage” Award in February of 2020, following his recovering from a debilitating ankle injury suffered in early 2018.
Mena is survived by his wife April and their two daughters, Naelah and Montserrat.
For more about Mena's career, here is a feature from earlier this summer.
Stunned and saddened like most everyone else who knew @_MIGUELMENA_ to learn he was killed last night as a pedestrian on I-64 in Louisville. Death confirmed by his close friend, trainer Al Stall Jr. Mena, 34, rode 2,079 winners. Such a tragedy. #RIP
— Marty McGee (@DRFMcGee) November 1, 2021
RIP Miguel Mena. Over the past 2 years I've had the fortune to work side by side with Miguel. One of the most likable guys I had been around. Eternally appreciate of the opportunity he gave me. Condolences to his family all that loved him. RIP Cholo. Gone but not forgotten pic.twitter.com/PzHOP4Iiki
— Jose Santos Jr. (@joesantos_33) November 1, 2021
Idk that I can put into words what @_MIGUELMENA_ has meant to us from day 1. He was such a great person to be around and always smiling when he came to work. I was proud to have him ride for us and I was lucky enough to be his friend. #ripcholo https://t.co/mNNLyEXHf8
— Jason Barkley (@jbark131) November 1, 2021
My heart hurts right now I can't believe this RIP my friend Miguel Mena 😔😔 a devoted father an amazing/ fearless Jockey and a role model to so many my heart is broken for Miguel's family I have no words rest easy Cholo🙏🏽😔😔
— Alex Canchari (@ACanchariJockey) November 1, 2021
So sad. We loved you @_MIGUELMENA_ !! https://t.co/xoCAEgWSun
— Jamie Hernandez (@JamieRadosevich) November 1, 2021
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