Motorcyclist Elmer Symons died Tuesday in a crash at the Dakar Rally, race organizers said.

The 29-year-old South African was killed on the fourth stage from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate in Morocco.

Organizers said Symons crashed about 88 miles into the stage. A medical team rushed to his aid by helicopter, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No further details were immediately given.

Symons, who was competing in his first Dakar Rally after serving as an assistant in previous races, had been in 18th place overnight.

Deaths have long marred the African desert race.

Last year, 41-year-old Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott died after injuring his neck on the longest stage from Nouakchott to Kiffa in Mauritania.

Two children were also killed — in Guinea and Senegal — after being hit by vehicles passing through packed desert villages.

Two years ago, 2001 and 2002 champion Fabrizio Meoni of Italy and Juan Manuel Perez of Spain, both motorcyclists with KTM, were killed.