Jorund
was airlifted off teh ring this evening after crashing on an oil spill
with serious head and internal injuries.. They conducted an emergency
operation at the hospital in Koblenz, then transfered him to a neurological
IC unit.
I
just called them and they are taking Bente his wife into see hom for the
last time as I type this....The doctor had no other message, aprt from
to say he was sorry for the bad news, but he will die.
Today is a sad day. for me persoanlly as Ihave lost a very good friend,
Sorry but i cannot say anymore, I am too upset.
Bren
This
is terrible.
I really don't know what to say right now, my thoughts are with his family
Robin.
Shit.
SB
Hello
Bren, this was realy tuff to hear, cant find words now - this realy sucks.
Jørund was a good friend, he wil bee deeply missed.
Kim B
Fellow
Ringers,
This is huge loss for Jörund's family, relatives, friends and Ringers.
Personally I don't think that there are many riders/drivers that are so
dedicated to the Ring as Jörund.
Riding/driving the Ring is as we know dangerous due to all the unknown
danger-factors that are lurking behind every bend or crest but it still
does not stop guys like Jörund and us other
Ringers coming back for more.
Jörund knew all the hazards of riding the Ring and was extremely good
at it too, at least he died doing what he enjoyed most in life!
This is the price that we don't ever want to pay but let's keep it in
mind next time we go to the Ring and leave that little extra safety margin.
See you all there again 19-21/7, that's what
Jörund would have wanted us to do, keep Ringing!
My deepest condolences to Jörund's family, relatives and friends. I don't
know what else to say right now.
Johannes E.
Unbelivable.
Jørund - thank you for the good memories, my dear friend.
Stig Valhovd
Oslo, Norway
Very
sad. Jorund, we will miss you.
Mike Frison
I
am stunned. I last spoke to Joerund in the car-park at about 5pm.
He was grinning as ever when at the Ring.
Ironically, he was joking about car drivers always in the way as he was
waiting to squeeze past my car, and I was joking about bikers always crashing
and closing the Ring, which was why cars were jammed everywhere. Less
than ten hours later I got this message.
I read the email when I got home at 2.30am; it's now 6am and I just
haven't been able to go to bed. Been looking at pics from various
Ringers dinners, etc.
I don't know what to say. This is terrible, terrible news.
Ben
I
can only echo what everyone else has said, and offer my condolences to
Jorund's family,
A great loss
Dave
I
was completely stunned when I read my e-mails this morning.
It's hard to say anything under these circumstances except that my thoughts
and deepest condolences go out to his family, he will be sadly missed
by all who knew him.
Jorund was, in my opinion a rider who you aspired to become. His skills
at the 'ring' and his gentle nature were things that made him known to
so many people, both ringers and non ringers alike. If comparisons can
be made it is like loosing Ayrton Senna all over again, a legend in his
own right.
Jorund you were a star.
I think it may be fitting to set up a private tribute page on the site
for all the messages of condolence in order to forward them to his family.
Ben is this possible?
A sad day
Adrian P
Oh
no. This is tragic!
My thoughts are with his wife and family.
Tor
Jorund
- you were a true star.
This is the most tragic event I've heard of in a long long time. He was
Mr Ring. He loved the place. He was a brilliant rider. His website was
the best. He was a salt of the earth good bloke.
He's gone :((
The last time I saw Jorund - yesterday lunchtime. I was in the Ring taxi
with Sabine, and Jorund overtook us with the most enormous wheelie out
of Ex Muhle. We laughed. Out of Bergwerk, he did
the same thing again at huge speed. He was loving every single second
of it. I have all this on video - I will watch this tonight, and I will
raise a toast to your memory Jorund.
I'm stunned.
Euan
Goodbye
my crazy friend.
Jørund, gave me the "ring"-fever, and continued to awe and inspire
with massive talent and steel nerves.
Thru 3-4 years of riding he was and will allways be - no:1 at the line.
He wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm deeply saddned by his death, it is as allways very unfair.
At least it wasn't some stupid motorway or footwalk accident.
Knowing Jørund, a man who doesn't look back twice, as it's a waste of
time: He would encourage us to keep going. I'm sure he will be, whereever
he is going now.
Jeppe
Denmark
This,
was really, really sad. I don't know what to say other than that he well
be deeply missed, and that my thoughts go to his family.
abs
I'm
stunned, don't know what to say. My thoughts goes to his wife.
Jørund was a great friend and he will be missed by everyone.
Johannes is probably right when saying that Jørund wanted us to keep on
Ringing, but it will sure feel less joyful now.
Anders
Hello
Bren, this was realy tuff to hear, cant find words now - this realy sucks.
Jørund was a good friend, he wil bee deeply missed.
Kim B
Thats
not good news :(
I would like that we all bought some flowers together with some last words
from the list.
Espen
I'm
stunned...
Must have taken me one hour to write this...
Jørund: You are a legend.
Sorry I haven't got a chance to thank you before, without your help I
wouldn't have any ring experiences. With your website and your personal
help you brought me there.
I'll never forget our trip in march, that's were a laugh...you stuffed
behind in my M3 and all your gix-parts on your legs...in wasn't at plesent
ride...but we got there
I almost lost my car on that because of oil, and you taught me to be more
careful and checkout the surface while driving...so I'm very sad to hear
that is was oil that brought you to this.
My condolences and thoughts to his family.
Morten Mega
Although
I'd only met him once at a 'Ringers dinner, I feel I knew him through
his awesome presence while he lapped us at speed on the 'Ring, and through
the videos on his website.
As others have said far better than I - Jorund will be deeply missed :(
Pete
There
are a few people in this world who contribute to life and happiness in
truly meaningful ways.
I
think all of us are here because we love to travel around on motorized
wheels, whether 2 wheeled or 4. Bikes or cars or the Ring or racing are
core to us, one of those really important factors in our lives. We love
the Ring and we love the "track" in general. We loved to see
his videos, displaying pure talent and achievement..not focusing on the
negative. We loved to hear his commentary, whether on the Nurburgring,
bikes or life in general. We listened when he spoke.
Although
an ocean and continents have separated us he's never hesitated to offer
advice or assistance - no matter how tedious. True to form. His loss is
deeply felt and I can only imagine what must be missing from those closer
to him.
James
Jørund
and I started going to the Nürburgring almost at the same time, although
it was not immediately that I came to know him. In fact, I don't remember
when that was and, looking back, it certainly seems to me like he's always
been there. I am certain he made friends everywhere the same way he did
at the Ring, for he had a great, outgoing personality and always seemed
to have time for everyone. Anyone who's met him knows that he was a very
special man.
Many of my memories of Jørund are of him flashing past me on the track.
A wonderfully balanced assembly of man and machine. Whenever that happened,
I always slowed down a little as I admired that image lingering in my
mind for a few seconds.
Jørund was always ready to joke but at the same time took the Ring and
his hobby completely seriously. In a light tone of voice he could take
to you for hours about what should and could be done to make the Ring
experience safer. His approach was always positive, always geared towards
improving whatever it was that he had set his mind on.
As I wrote in his guestbook, the above, his ability and attitude, was
an inspiration to many.
I remember the day he has his incident with the yellow Porsche, when he
was forced to go wide and onto the grass, damaging his bike in the process.
He came off the track and straight to me (not because I'm his best friend,
that's not the point of this story).
On the day of his first Seriensport event at the Grand Prix Strecke, I
came with him to the Fahrerlager and was happy to see him step into that
arena and thrive. When I spoke to him on Sunday morning, he said that
he'd been learning a lot in Seriensport, and that he appreciated that
compared to riding on the Ring, he could push harder and yet be safer.
Last year I had dinner with him and his wife, and a friend of mine. I
am hesitant to say this, but at the time I did feel that his wife knew
fear. Even on Sunday, Jørund related how she would rather have him not
ride altogether, than accept that Seriensport racing was
at least safer than Ring riding. Still, that evening, Jørund and his wife
struck me as a sound and mutually supportive couple. It is unbelievably
unfair that he was taken away from her.
Over the years, I have met him many times, but nowhere near every day
of every year. I already miss him and I cannot imagine how unbearably
difficult it must be for his wife, his family and those closest to him,
to now have to continue life without him. I wish
them all the courage in the world.
-Laurens
I
am in a state of utter shock.
If there was one man I admired on the Ring, it was Jorund. I talked to
him yesterday, about his racing, about the Ring, he gave me a light....
This is just surreal.
His website is why I came to the Ring in the first place, seeing those
videos and being in total awe of the mans abilities. But more than that;
he was such a nice guy, so relaxed, always helpfull, giving tips, and
being concerned about his friends.
My thoughts go out to his family
Niek
Just
found out. Shit, bad news.
My thoughts are with his family.
> What we could do is to consider a fund to raise money for some goodcause,
maybe ring/bike
> related?
Could we make a donation and let his family decide where to give it
This is a very sad day indeed.
Geoff
I
met Jorund & his wife last August and can only say that the world
will be a fantastic person lighter. Deepest sympathy to all members of
his family
Dave
Being
one of his closest friends, I am overwhelmed how many people share the
tragic loss and give support to his wife Bente and his family.
Joerund
and Bente were at my place this Friday before heading to the Ring on Saturday
morning. It has become a regular habit, that he stopped at my place since
1999 before going to the Ring. The Ring that he loved so much, and which
should have been his fate as well. I have spent many times at his place
in Kopenhagen and it is hard to realize, that all this has come to a sudden
end.
Our friendship started back in 1999, where he contacted me through the
old R1-list, asking if I would be interested for going with him to Harz,
to ride together. Fast as usual he was there 2 weeks later and chemistry
among us just fitted like a One-Piece-leathersuit... Especially after
having organized the first Harz-Meeting in 2000 togehther with him, it
has seldom passed a day, without that I have been in contact with him
whether by email
or on the phone. Oh Jesus - how I will miss those ...
Next to the perfect analyst he has ever been, he has also been a very
special and happy friend. I will remember endless discussions with him
when sharing rooms with Joerund on countless locations, ending with drinks
and heavy laugh attacks. Waking me up every morning latest at 7 a.m. no
matter how late it was the night before.
He woke me up bloody early as always with always the same ords. "Arise
and shine, Stephan. It is a beautiful day and we shall use this to ride
the bikes."
Basically this sums it all up, so I will stop here, although I'd love
to
continue endlessly bragging about the nice person he's been and how he
became one of of my best friends ever.
Ride in Godspeed. I will miss you my friend.
Stephan Kühntopp / German
When
I heard the tragic news this morning my first thought was: No, impossible,
must be a mistake, it only happens to the "others", not to us,
not to someone you know and you know to be a seasoned and experienced
rider, not only but specially on the
Ring. But during the day realization hit home that indeed, it is real
- and I have no words adequate to express my sorrow.
Truth is - it happens, has happened now. How can something we love take
away someone we love?
My feelings go out to Joerund's wife, family and close friends who, much
more than I, will feel the shock and agony of loosing a wonderful person.
Nothing I can say or do will ease their pain so I will not even try to
find more elaborat words. And my thoughts go out to all those who have
lost loved ones to our mutual passion, the Ring.
Birgit
Tragic
Only met him once and only to say hello in the car park, but feel as though
I've known him for years from his posts on this list.
Can't really think of anything else to say except that obviously my thoughts
are with his family.
Wayne
It's
always very sad to hear about any fatal incident at the Ring, but even
more so when it's someone so much "Larger than Life" as Jorund
was. Now I only met him once, but still feel moved
by the tragic news of his death.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, and I hope that in time
they can come to live with their gargantuan loss.
In Sympathy,
Matt
I
have no words for this, I'm very sad......
My condolences to his wife family and friends.
Jeurund, I will miss you.
Pakar1
This is truly awful news.
I've met Jorund on a couple of occasions at the Ring and spent many a
happy hour looking at the videos on his web-site. What a huge loss he
will be to the Ringers community the World over.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Kelvin.
Joerund
It was a priviledge to know you my friend, on line and in real life your
advice and genuine enthusiasm have been a joy and an inspiration, without
it I would never have ridden the Ring.
John
Have
not posted here for months, as I simply can't keep up with the volumes,
however, this is truely sad. Jorund will be missed by many.
Phil G
I
just read Brendan's post about the horrible news.
I read the 57 follow up messages hoping after each message that the next
message would say that this was all a big mistake.
My heart goes out to Jørund's wife and family. I with them the strength
to endure these terrirble times.
.charles.
|
I'm
still in shock.
I can't understand he is gone.
I met Jörund a couple of times at the Ring. Last time was in august 2001,
and it feels very strange to know that I'm never gonna see him there again.
I have plans to go to the Ring in 14 days with my wife but now it doesn't
feel so good to go there again.
Give my condolences to Jörund's family and friends.
Lennart
We
have known each other for a couple of years and would regularly chat at
the ring and by email.
I spoke with Jorund on Sunday for about 45 mins as I helped him make some
adjustments to the bike. And what must have been a couple of laps before
the accident he passed me going up
Kesshelchen (like I was stood still) and gave me his usual wave. I'll
miss the guy, he took me a round the track a number of times and was always
helpful with advice and very knowledgeable.
I don't know what to say except. I'll miss the guy, and my thoughts go
out to his wife.
A sad time.
Sparky
I
received a call this afternoon to tell me that Jorund had died on Sunday.
I now sit here totally stunned and unable to put into words how I feel.
I was very privileged to share some time with Jorund at the ring and enjoyed
our chats about how bikes and cars compare on track enormously. The highlight
of my years on track is the lap we did
together last year and how much fun we both had driving/riding, the banter
afterwards was fantastic. We had a huge laugh together when we discovered
that our video footage found its way onto USA TV on a shopping channel
and was being used to sell goods on the other side of the world.
I will always have a copy of that video we made and whenever I watch it
I will think of him, especially how he was grinning from ear to ear as
we completed the lap side by side.
I will be visiting the ring in two weeks and will pay my respects to Jorund
in a personal way then.
I know I will never forget Jorund, he was a very special man and I am
a better person for knowing him. May he rest in peace.
John
I
have been very lucky, Joerund was not, my thoughts go out to him, his
friends and family. A truly tragic incident.
Ian
Ive
been away from the list for some time and had no idea what happened. I
found out a few hours ago via telephone of
Joerunds tragic crash.
I wish to express my deepest sorrow and extend my condolences to Joerunds
wife and family.
John
Very
very sorry to hear this news.My condolences to his wife and family.
I recall having a conversation with Jorund about oil on the circuit and
how it represented too high a risk for me to take a bike on track. Jorund
accepted the risks and said at the time he only went out in the morning
and late in the day to minimise the risk.
Stewart
I
havent been on the list for quite some time for one reason or another,
but Rob Wright informed me of the bad news concerning Jorund. I too admired
the guy. He had an ability to ride the
place with impeccable pression always looking to better the line and take
the place to a new level. He also captured one of the best laps I did
in the Atom, and it still sits there on his site for all to see. I have
joked with him on numerous occasions that once the new one comes out he
might actually have a challange and not get as bored!
So I pay my respects to a man that was admired by so many including me!
Jon
when
I wanted to visit his site today I found out about the terrible accident
that had happend to jorund. I spoke to him last year (august) on the ring
and we asked him some things about the
ring because we were rookies. Althoug I didn't knew him I think he's he
great man and made the ring easier and safer to ride beacause of his video's.
jorund thnx!
My condolences go out to his family and many friends.
Jorund may you rest in peace!
Rob
Jorund,
your memory will always inspire me. May you rest peacefully
Rob
I
was just so absolutely shocked to hear about Joerund. I haven't been very
active on the Ringers list lately and so when Euan emailed me I just sat
staring at the screen in disbelief. You hear about people getting killed
at the Ring but you never think it will happen to someone you know or
someone who knew the place as well as Joerund did.
It certainly makes you think: I guess it is a bit like when Jim Clark
died and all the other drivers said something along the lines of 'If it
can happen to him, what hope have the rest of us got?'
I
am sure in my own mind that Joerund would not want us to
think this way and would wish us all to continue doing what we get a kick
out of doing - driving or riding the Ring.
It is a sad fact of life that accidents happen every day and we can't
go through life thinking about what might happen otherwise we'd never
do anything fun or adventurous.
Joerund
died doing something he really enjoyed - better that than having a heart
attack at his desk from working too hard! That will be little comfort
to his wife. I cannot even bring myself to imagine the deep sense of loss
that she is feeling right now and, as Laurens pointed out, she knew him
far better than any of us. My thoughts
are with her, the rest of his family and all his many friends.
Michael Oliver
Now
it is about one week ago that Jørund crashed at the Ring. I read about
the crash at Monday morning 6.30 am before I went to work. The whole day
I couldn’t concentrate. My thoughts where
with you Jørund, hoping that you would get well. At the afternoon when
I came home I immediately checked the Internet fore more news. What I
read than …… It was horrible, Jørund had passed away… Let
it not be true…
Jørund, we met several times at the Ring in the last two years, but I
have the feeling that I know you very well. I feel like my brother has
been taken away.
For the last 3 years I was very impressed about the videos and your beautiful
web page. I hope it all will stay on the Internet as a tribute to you.
I always hoped I could be as fast as you at the Nordschleife, and I know
that I never will be.
I will miss you my friend… We will meet again… Lets hope there
is a Nordschleife in heaven.
My thoughts are with you Bente although I haven’t met you. I hope
you will find the strength to live without Jørund.
Paul Nagels
The
following messages are from people who did not known Jørund personally,
only through the list or from his website, and give some indication that
his loss will be felt by a wider circle than just his family and friends
...
That
is terrible, terrible news. I have never been fortunate enough to meet
Jorund but have enjoyed watching many of his on-bike videos and reading
his views on this list. He will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Long may he do sub 8-min BTG on the great Ring in the sky.
:o(
Neil
Never
met the guy personally but my thought's are with his family and friends.
Terrible news, what a sad sad day .
Gary
I
am another person who never talked to Jorund. Me and my friends admired
him from a distance hoping for a chat at some point. Most of all we wanted
to thank him for the numerous videos that we've downloaded from his website.
Thanks to those vidoes we know the 'Ring better than we should. Unfortunately
we will never have a chance to thank him now. Another reason to not hesitate
and
seize the moment.
Speaking for myself, I've told my friends and family that if I go, I would
hate myself if I'd go crossing the street or slipping in the shower. If
I go on my bike, I've gone from the place where
I was happiest.
Reading the Ringers list and Jorunds website, I have a feeling that Jorund
loved what he did.
My deepest condolences. God Speed, Jörund.
Jocke
I
think, as a neu Ringer, that all I can really try and do is echo JW's
statements. I didn't know the man as a person, but I can only feel empty
as we lose one of us; one that shares our love and our passion for the
Ring.
My thoughts will be with those of his family, we can all but hope that
he is in a better place. Maybe out over the Südschleife, watching over
the rest of us?
Chris.
Tragic
news.
Unfortunately, I didnt have the privilige to know Jorund personnally.
But it really wasnt hard to see he was a really great guy judging from
his own posts and your comments ...
While I didnt know him personnally I certainly did look up to him, racing
the way I wish I could, while showing good sense ...
Remember him as he was and cherrish what he gave you.
My condolences and thoughts to his family.
Jochen
Unbelievable.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I hadn't gotten a chance to meet Joerund personally, and now I never will.
However, I will always remember him as the guy doing a huge wheelie while
overtaking us in the Ring taxi up Ex-Muehle.
I'm a bit hesitant as a relatively new addition to the Ringers list to
offer suggestions, but I feel it might be a good idea to set up a way
for people to offer their condolences, which can then be conveyed to his
family.
A simple way would be to use a thread on this board, and adding some links
in prominent places pointing here. I could probably set up a separate
email address too, if it's any help.
JW
Hard
to believe, hard to bear...
Never met him, I wish I could now.
He made me dream so many times through his videos.
He was young : a short appearance in life, but what appearance !
Olivier
Every
now and again I hear of the passing of an individual through the news
or word of mouth, who although I never met them personally, had an influance
on my life to a degree such that I still mourn their loss.
Joerund's video's kept me going and my spirits high through a time of
great personal loss in my own life, when I joined Ringers early last year.
I still watch "Sunday Traffic" when I need a bit of a lift or
a laugh and will continue to do so with more consideration for the artist
behind the throttle and the camera than ever before.
My condolences to his wife, relatives, and those who were fortunate to
know him well.
Adrian Elkin
just
caught up with this.
nothing else to say except that any death is bad news; just a heck of
alot harder to take when its someone you know of.
richard
I
have nothing to add here, I am only sad. I have never met Jørund, but
I have met his "kind"..dedicated with a great passion for what
he was doing. Sounds like we lost a great man.
My thoughts goes to those who are left behind...
Truly sad this..makes me think twice about my riding and riding style..but
I will join you on the Ring, but this accident will be at the back of
my head for sure.
Regards
Martin Bergvill
Terrible
news.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jorund - and thanking him for his
wonderful website and videos. He has helped countless numbers of visitors
to the Ring and definitely made the ring be
"alive" all year round - especially when you can only go once
a year like me.
Reading through the messages it seems like he made a lot of friends at
the Ring and I know he'll be sorely missed there.
My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.
A sad day.
Kenny
I
never had the chance to meet Jorund....but I know from reading this and
previous messages on this site that he was among the most loved and respected
members of the Ringers group. I believe my good friend Sean ZX6R McAloon
was fortunate enough to meet him at the Ring last year and spoke extremely
highly of him.
My thoughts are with Jorund's wife and family....and also with those of
you who knew (and loved) him well. A true Ringer.
Respect Jorund,
Chris.
Hi,
I've never been to the 'Ring nor met any of you guys but I feel like I
lost a friend.
I think he's gone in the way he would have answered if he had to. Now
he can really fly...
My deepest condolences,
Leo, from Italy
Like
many others here, I never met Jørund; but it seems a fair measure of the
man that we feel so effected by his death. I ''knew'' him only through
his presence on this forum, his web site and a few cheery e-mails where
he'd helped me get his videos to run on my Mac.
I'm a relative newcomer around here but feel the loss of a kindred spirited
from our community. Some of you will have, for sure, lost a very good
friend.
For whatever small comfort it may be to his family and closest friends,
Jørund was clearly loved and admired by many, and had touched the lives
of a great many more - and enabled them share in
his great passion for the Ring.
Tony Pashley
Sorry.
:(......
S.
My
sympathy a thoughts go out to jorunds family :((
Dom Stokes
This
is my first message on this list.
I subscribed yesterday, having found the link on Jorund's site where I
was searching for info about the Ring since I am planning my first trip
there August 10/11th.
The first thing I read was of his accident and it feels so inappropriate
to introduce myself in such a moment
It is incredible the how the grief and the sadness can be felt reading
through the variuos messages.
Yet I would like to add my condolences to the family.
He must have been special, and it is really bad to know that I will never
get to know someone like him.
R.I.P. Jorund
Paolo
My thoughts and condolences with his family and friends.
I've not personally met Jorund but have been on the list long enough to
be effected by his passion for bikes and cars though his posting and website.
Rest in peace.
Sadly
I never had the opportunity to meet Jørund in person, though no doubt
he has passed me many times on the track. I enjoyed the videos from his
web site and, like a lot of others; I have grown to respect him and will
miss his posting to the list.
My condolences go out to his family and many friends.
He will be sadly missed.
Tom.
My
deepest sympathies go out to Joerunds family and all of you who knew him
personally as a friend.
Frans
My
sincere condolences to all the friends and family of Jorund.
AC Anderson
Like
many I only knew him from the videos and a few emails, but I'm stunned
and shocked by this news. My condolences to his family and friends.
Only a few hours ago I told someone planning their first trip where they
could get all these great videos.
David
I
just got back from abroad and only found out yesterday evening about what
happened. Though I only mailed a few times with Joerund and never actually
got to meet him, I am as shocked as
everybody. I first found out about the Ring searching the web for racing-videos
2 years ago and happened on his site. I must have watched his videos dozens
and dozens of times, showing them to
people around me and finally deciding I had to go to the ring myself.
I can just not believe this.
I hope he is in a better place now. All the best to his family and all
his many friends. Hope you find the strength to make it through.
Job van de Laar
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