The racing community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Alyssa Kruppenbacker, who tragically lost her life following a racing accident at DuQuoin, Illinois on Monday July 6th.. Her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and the entire racing community facing an unimaginable loss.

Alyssa was the kind of child who made the world softer just by being in it. Loving, caring, bright, and full of joy, she was always thinking of others before herself.

She loved school, reading, science, math, space, and racing. A straight-A student with big dreams, Alyssa had her life planned with the kind of hope only a child with a fearless heart could carry. She wanted to win awards, go pro in flat track, join the Air Force, and one day become an astronaut.

Alyssa began riding at just 3 years old and fell in love with flat track from the moment she got on the bike. Standing under the lights at Lima in 2023, she knew she wanted to go pro. From that moment on, she pushed herself to be better, stronger, and faster.

But Alyssa was so much more than a racer. She was a devoted daughter, a loving sister, a loyal friend, and an encourager to everyone around her. She helped care for her brother, looked up to her dad, trained hard, loved jogging with her dog Sig, and never hesitated to lift others up when they were struggling.

She had a beautiful way of noticing people, helping other kids, and speaking up when something didn’t feel right. Alyssa’s heart was as big as her dreams, and her light touched everyone lucky enough to know her.

This world lost someone truly special — someone who had the spirit, kindness, and determination to change it for the better.

Alyssa’s family has already been met with the charity’s regular benevolence, but we know the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring emotional and financial burdens no family should have to face alone. Donations will help her parents with medical costs, funeral expenses, and the unknown needs that often come after a heartbreaking loss like this.

Most importantly, this support will help give Alyssa’s family a small buffer — a little room to breathe, grieve, and begin processing the unimaginable without the added weight of immediate financial stress.

This family is no stranger to the racing community. Through her mother's work with several American Flat Track teams over the years, they have become a familiar and valued part of the paddock. Today, the same community that watched Alyssa chase her dreams has the opportunity to stand beside her family during their greatest time of need.

Any gift, share, or act of kindness helps surround this family with love during the hardest time of their lives.

Alyssa’s Light: Supporting Her Family Through Loss

Kruppenbacker Family Fundraiser