SINGAPORE — Mohamed Reza Abdul Rashid, a 43-year-old Singaporean motorcyclist, also known as ‘Red Baron’ within the motorcycling community, died in a hospital after being involved in an accident in one of Thailand’s southern provinces on Monday (12 June).
Surviving him are his wife, Huda Lajam, and three children.
On Sunday night, Mr. Reza embarked on a journey from Singapore with the intention of reaching central Thailand, where he planned to camp.
In his last Facebook post on Monday, Mr. Reza mentioned the ongoing Iron Butt Challenge, stating, “We are halfway through the Iron Butt Challenge. Now we have another 800km more to go.”
The Iron Butt Challenge is a long-distance ride that tests motorcyclists’ endurance within a specific time frame. His final post was made at 7:45 am after he crossed the border into Thailand from Malaysia at around 6:30 am.
However, the physical education teacher, riding a 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4S, did not reach his intended destination.
According to his website, Mr. Reza had previously completed the Iron Butt Challenge twice.
The first time was in December 2014, riding from Hua Hin in central Thailand to Singapore. The second time was in September 2017, riding from Singapore to Hua Hin.
On Monday morning, posts on Thai social media requested the notification of Mr. Reza’s next of kin following the accident. He lost control of his motorcycle near Phatthalung Province Central Stadium.
Photographs shared on Facebook depicted his vehicle lying on a grass patch, with Mr. Reza, also known as Red Baron on his social media accounts and personal website, wearing an oxygen mask as medical staff attended to him.
He was transported to Phatthalung Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The motorcycling community deeply mourned the passing of Mr Reza
The motorcycling community deeply mourned the passing of their fellow rider.
Among those grieving was the Ducati Motor Club Singapore account, a community of motorcycle enthusiasts who share a love for the Ducati brand.
On their Instagram post, they wrote, “Al-Fateha.. A friend, a brother, a fighter… You will be missed…”
On Tuesday, Huda Lajam, the wife of Mr. Reza, confirmed her husband’s passing in a heartfelt Facebook post.
She expressed her sorrow, stating, “My dear husband Mohamed Reza has passed on. He has left this world.”
She described him as her soulmate, love, best friend, and everything to her. Huda emphasized his kind and soft heart, his immense love for their children, and his dedication to family.
She mentioned that he found passion in the road, wanderlust, and adventure and that he passed away while doing what he loved most, riding his bike.
She prayed to Allah to place him among the most beloved and to grant him a peaceful soul and happiness.
In closing, she said, “Reza, I am lost without you. I still need you. Allah needs you more. We had good times, didn’t we? All my good times were with you. All of them. I wait until we meet again. I love you. Always. Forever.”
