Dirk Braun

TIMBERSPORTS® legend Dirk Braun dies in accident

The TIMBERSPORTS® Series mourns the death of Dirk Braun. He was a true legend and a face for logger sports in Germany as well as worldwide. Reigning European champion, eight-time German champion, participant in countless world championships – Dirk Braun loved his sport and mastered it like champion. Last Friday, the inspiring athlete died at the age of 50 in a tragic accident in his hometown of Winterberg.

"With Dirk, logger sport has lost one of its greatest icons. It was an honour to know him. His passion for the sport was an inspiration to us all. His death leaves us all deeply saddened and stunned. 'Doubters never win, winners never doubt' was his motto, which he lived by and passed on to us. He was a strong competitor, but at the same time a loyal sportsman, and a dear friend to us all, whom we respected greatly. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family; we wish you so much strength during this difficult time. Dirk will always have a place in our TIMBERSPORTS® family. No one can fill the gap he leaves behind. We will miss him very much," said the spokespersons of the German TIMBERSPORTS® sports community.

“The tragic accident of Dirk Braun leaves us speechless and stunned. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife and children, whom we will stand by wherever we can. Dirk Braun helped to build our TIMBERSPORTS® Series over nearly two decades. He advised us, promoted young talent and celebrated international victories all at the same time. Whenever you met him, you instantly pictured an image of an invulnerable superhero. With him, we lose a companion and a great person who did outstanding things for the sport he loved so much. The sudden death of Dirk Braun makes me, together with the entire Stihl family and all TIMBERSPORTS® Series contributors, deeply sad. We will always honour his memory," said Dr Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory Board of STIHL Holding AG & Co. KG.