L’Osteria Co-Founder Klaus Rader Killed in Porsche Crash During Mallorca Rally

L’Osteria co-founder Klaus Rader died Friday after his Porsche GT3 RS left the road and plunged into a ravine during the 550 Challenge Mallorca rally. The 63-year-old entrepreneur and avid racer was competing on a mountain stage between Pollença and Lluc in the Serra de Tramuntana when the accident occurred.

Rader was pronounced dead at the scene. His Austrian co-driver, Christina Ettel, sustained severe spinal cord injuries. Rescue teams and firefighters conducted a difficult recovery operation in the steep terrain.

The 550 Challenge Mallorca is a three-day motorsport event held on fully closed roads, featuring 14 timed stages across more than 550 kilometers. Rader was entered in the competition class for modern and historic race cars.

A business partner confirmed the fatality to Germany’s Bild newspaper, and L’Osteria subsequently released an official statement.

“The sudden accidental death of Klaus Rader deeply shocks us and leaves us speechless. We are infinitely sad and our thoughts are with his entire family,” the company said. “We ask that the privacy of the family be respected during this difficult time. Klaus was an extraordinary personality, an inspiring entrepreneur, companion and great person who shaped many people at L’Osteria and beyond. We cannot believe that he is no longer with us.”

Following the crash on the Pollença-Lluc stage, organizers canceled the remainder of the rally and all associated activities.

“This is a painful but firm and irrevocable decision, made with the utmost respect and in recognition of the gravity of the circumstances,” the organizing committee stated. “At times like these, no result, classification or sporting objective can take precedence over what truly matters. Competition must take a back seat, and respect, humanity and solidarity must prevail above all else.”

The committee extended its deepest condolences to Rader’s family and friends, offering full support during what it described as an extremely difficult time.

Spanish authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Rader co-founded L’Osteria in 1999 with Friedemann Findeis, growing the brand from a single Nuremberg location into an international restaurant chain. The pair sold their majority stake to a U.S. investment firm in 2023.

Rader is survived by his wife Viktoria and their four children. The couple had celebrated their second wedding in Mallorca in June 2024.

Source link