Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has died aged 35

The 35-year-old American was injured in a cycling accident on the Rimini coastline of Italy last Wednesday.

News of his death was first communicated by the hospital where he was being treated while a statement was also issued on behalf of his family.

Hayden suffered "severe polytrauma" - multiple traumatic injuries - after a collision with a car, the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena confirmed.

His fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side in the intensive care unit when he died on Monday.

Tommy Hayden said: "Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle.

"He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming world champion. We are all so proud of that.

"Apart from these 'public' memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly."

Hayden, from Owensboro, Kentucky, won the 2006 MotoGP world title with the Repsol Honda team.

During a racing career which began at the age of five he won national titles in America in road racing and dirt track before moving to Europe to chase world championship glory.

He also competed in the MotoGP series for Italian manufacturer Ducati before renewing his association with Honda.

This season he was competing in the World Superbike Championship for the Red Bull Honda team and most recently raced on May 14 at the Imola circuit in Italy.

A statement from Red Bull Honda read: "It is with great sadness that Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday."

It added: "The 'Kentucky Kid' will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt.

"The racing world says goodbye to one of its dearest sons. Rest in peace Nicholas 'Nicky' Patrick Hayden."

A number of tributes have been paid to Hayden.

Dani Pedrosa, team-mate during his 2006 title triumph, posted a photo of the American on his Twitter account. He added: "Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69."

Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner tweeted: "Thankful for the time that I was privileged to know you! #RIPNickyHayden #Legend Pray for his family during this time. We'll miss you mate!"

Tour de France champion Chris Froome posted a picture of himself alongside Hayden and wrote: "So sad. Rest In Peace Nicky.."

American golfer Rickie Fowler, a former motocross rider, tweeted: "This morning just didn't seem real! We lost an amazing rider but even better person!!

"Just honored I got to spend the time w/ you that I did Nicky! Prayers for Jackie & the rest of the Hayden fam! We're going to miss you man!!"