PACIFIC, Mo. — Legendary monster truck driver Dan Runte, 61, of Illinois, was killed Friday morning in a motorcycle crash in Franklin County, authorities and family confirmed.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Osage Street and Cedar Drive. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV, driven by a 40-year-old Pacific man, was traveling westbound and attempted a left turn. The SUV crossed into the path of Runte’s eastbound 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, striking the front of the bike. Runte was pronounced dead at the scene. The SUV driver was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries.
“The Monster Jam family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Runte,” a post on X said. “Dan will always be remembered as a pioneer of monster trucks and a trailblazer in the motorsports industry.”
Runte, widely regarded as one of the greatest monster truck drivers of all time, drove the iconic “Bigfoot” full-time for several years. He was an eight-time Monster Truck Driver of the Year, five-time Monster Truck Tour Series Champion, and set the record for the longest jump in a monster truck on four separate occasions.
His legacy in motorsports and the Monster Jam community will be remembered for years to come.
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