French motorcyclist Pascal Terry has been found dead three days after going missing during the Dakar Rally.
The 49-year-old had not been seen since Sunday's stage between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn, with the race being held in South America for the first time.
However, he was found dead overnight after the fourth stage of the race.
"He was found in a very inaccessible area 15m from his bike," organisers said. "He had taken off his helmet and taken shelter with food and water."
Police were carrying out an investigation to determine the cause of death.
Terry is the first fatal casualty at this year's race which started in Buenos Aires on 3 January and finishes back in the Argentine capital on 17 January.
However, the race has already left British driver Paul Green and his navigator Matthew Harrison in a serious condition in hospital after their car overturned during Saturday's stage.
The 30th edition of the rally is being held in Argentina and Chile instead of Africa because of security concerns in Mauritania which forced the cancellation of last year's event.
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk