Young Jockey Dies: At the age of 29, popular Shakopee horse jockey Alex Canchari passed away. The racing industry is once more devastated by the news that another rider committed suicide. The loss of Alex Canchari has left those who knew and cared about him with nothing but sadness in their hearts. He was well-known across Canterbury Park’s grounds. Learn more about what happened to him and why he commits suicide in detail.
What happened to Alex Canchari?
Alex Canchari, a 29-year-old jockey who was a regular at Canterbury Park and Prairie Meadows, committed suicide on March 1, his sister Ashley Canchari announced online on the morning of March 2.
After learning on social media that another jockey committed suicide, the racing business was once again shocked. The majority of Canchari’s riding career was spent at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, where his late father Luis Canchari also raced and trained horses.
In a tweet sent on Thursday morning, Canterbury Park declared Canchari’s demise, stating,
“Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Alex Canchari fulfilled his dream of becoming a jockey. The Canterbury Park family is extremely grieved by the news of the passing of this bright and kind young guy.”
GOFUNDME
| We are speechless and completely heartbroken about the passing of my brother, Alex. He leaves behind his fiance Brooke-Lyn, son Leon, daughter Penelope, and another unborn child who is due in August. Alex had a heart of gold and encouraged and saw the good in everyone. We wish he could have seen that light in himself. All funds raised will benefit his children. Due to the circumstance of his death, there are no life insurance policies available. Please help Brooke and the kids during this difficult time. We appreciate you all so much and know Alex was deeply loved by so many. |
Alex Canchari achieved his dream as a jockey, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. The news of this talented and genuine young man's death has deeply saddened the Canterbury Park family. Alex pictured below on left with Luis and Patrick. #ShakopeeKid pic.twitter.com/iZUI4j8vu6
— Canterbury Press Box (@CBYTrackFlack) March 2, 2023
Alex Canchari cause of death and obituary
Canchari’s death appears to have been related to mental health concerns, even though the cause of death was unknown as of Thursday morning.
Ashley, Canchari’s sister, also announced the news on social media and referred to Alex’s passing as “an awful loss.”
“My heart hurts so much. I’m sorry, Alex, that you were in such anguish and believed there was no other way out “She composed. I am aware of your renewed happiness with Dad.
Canchari went suddenly roughly seven weeks after jockey Avery Whisman, who was only 23 years old, did. When talking about Whisman’s passing, his family also brought up mental health difficulties.
Since November, we’ve been discussing jockeys’ mental health issues with HISA, according to Meyocks. That is at the top of our priority list and has to be discussed. This game is challenging. Regular jockeys win at less than that percentage, whereas jockeys in the Hall of Fame win at 18–20%.
These are removed from the horses. There are fewer opportunities for them because the crop of foals is reduced. Understandably, depression develops given the daily struggles jockeys face.
Who was Alex Canchari?
Canchari was raised in a racing family in Shakopee, Minnesota. A car accident in March 2020 left his jockey brother Patrick Canchari paraplegic. They lost their trainer and rider father, Luis Canchari, who was originally from Peru, in December 2020. Alex had two kids and was married.
From 2011 to 2012, Canchari rode 7,598 horses, finishing with 1,044 victories, 1,008 seconds, and 1,020 thirds, earning $28,619,989.
When Flat Out Speed won the 2020 Iowa Oaks (G3) at Prairie Meadows, the rider’s first graded victory, he was in the tack.
On May 25, 2022, Tonka Warrior won the day’s final race at Canterbury Park, a maiden special weight, making Alex Canchari the 1,000th winner he has ridden. He expressed his affection for the local fans while savoring the triumph at his home track.
“I was raised here. When I was young, I started working here in the concession stand “Canchari announced the milestone to track publicity. The young jockey’s best year came in 2018 when he guided 812 horses through the starting gate to win 120 races and earn $3,727,351.
“I felt really sad when I heard the news of Alex’s passing last night. I’m very heartbroken; he is someone I have known for a very long time, and before he was riding, he used to rub horses in Chicago when I was riding there,” jockey Florent Geroux, a friend of the deceased rider, said.
“Through the years, we always kept in contact. Wherever I rode, we used to try to meet up and do things together. If I won a big race, Alex was always the first to text and congratulate me, and I did the same for him. I don’t know what went wrong in his personal life, but I feel very sad for his wife, family, and friends.”
People’s reactions to Canchari’s unexpected death:
PAUL BLAIN said,
The nightmare of the sport… Remembering two young jockeys…Avery Whisman age 23, and Alex Canchari age 29. Whisman, who piloted both jump horses and then thoroughbreds on the flat ovals, took his life back in January, and Canchari only yesterday, March 1st. Canchari’s unexpected death was confirmed this morning by his sister Ashley. If you know ANYONE who is struggling with mental health issues, help them see there are better days ahead in ANY way you can!!! Thank you, and may you both rest in peace, Avery and Alex. A sad day to be sure.
Pauly Mitchell posted,
MY LONG-TIME FRIEND WHO I LOVED JOCKEY ALEX CANCHARI IS DEAD HE TOOK HIS OWN LIFE. HE WAS IN PAIN AND DEALING WITH SOME THINGS AND THOUGHT THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY OUT. WE TALK MANY HRS I TRIED BUT I GUESS I DIDN’T DO A GOOD JOB HELPING MY FRIEND IM IN TEARS HE WAS SUCH A GOOD MAN ALWAYS HAPPY AND NICE TO EVERYONE. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, children, and family.
Cassidy Fletcher said,
RIP Brother. You were a great friend and a hell of a rider Alex Canchari! Always appreciated you always helping me! My prayers go out to your family!
Ortiz Racing Stables posted,
Alex Canchari, From all of us at Ortiz Racing Stables we’d love to thank you for this beautiful memory. Especially for myself (Karla Ortiz) Alex was the jockey to wear our Scleroderma butterfly awareness silk and ride Miss. Ximena. He gave us a very emotional first win with her. But most importantly of all, you helped the team spread Scleroderma awareness. Having your ride and be a part of the team will forever be an honor. For that, we are eternally grateful. Rest in peace Alex you will be deeply missed. We are sending all our love and condolences to his family and friends.
KEEP READING,
What happened to Jayden Pienta? 16 year-old Santa Rosa School Student stabbed to death
Who was Andres Vasquez Lasso? Chicago police officer shot and killed by the suspect in Gage park
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.
Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.