Off-road racer dies following competition

PARK HILLS — Over the weekend, an off-road motorcycle racer died of an apparent heart attack after competing in the Missouri Mudders’ Leadbelt Natural Enduro at St. Joe State Park.

According to Sue Holst, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Bob Harris, 60, of Arkansas, had completed the off-road motorcycle short course race Sunday afternoon.

She said at about 1:30 p.m., someone noticed his bike leaning against a tree but didn’t think much of it. She said the person thought the bike had broken down or was out of gas.

At about 10 p.m., the park superintendent noticed the bike and contacted race organizers who were able to determined it was Harris’ bike.

“They began a search and found him about 30 yards from the trail,” she said.

She said an autopsy was performed on Monday and it is believed he died of a heart attack. Funeral services will be held in Arkansas Friday.

According to his scorecard from that day, Harris finished third out the five competitors in the Masters 60+ race. He had been participating in Enduro events for the past 12 to 15 years, according to organizers.

The Leadbelt Enduro is the fourth round in the National Enduro race.