MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (March 19, 2021) – GNCC Racing is saddened to learn of the passing of former GNCC ATV XC2 Pro-Am Champion Josh Kirkland of Proctor, WV.  Josh passed away Wednesday, March 17, at WVU Hospital, Morgantown, WV, of complications from prior injuries.  He was 35 years old.

Josh first arrived on the GNCC Racing scene in 2004 when his parents, Larry and Mary Ann (Zombotti) Kirkland, brought him to the races.  He progressed year after year until he captured not only the XC2 class title, but the coveted AMA Amateur ATV Rider of the Year honors in 2009.  Armed with an infectious smile and kind word, he was by far one of the most popular riders on the circuit.

In 2010, Josh suffered a catastrophic injury while training for an international event, leaving him paralyzed.  Ever the champion, Josh fought hard to regain his independence, and was soon back at the racetrack cheering on friends.  He pulled his greatest motivation and strength from his son, Carson. 

According to his obituary, Josh is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Carl Kirkland, maternal grandparents, James & Dolores Zombotti and cousin, Jared Kirkland. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his son, Carson Kirkland of Vienna, WV; sister, Lee Ann Kirkland; brother, Zach (Amy) Kirkland & future niece or nephew, all of Proctor, WV, paternal grandmother, Leona Kirkland; four uncles, Terry (Tammy) Kirkland, Barry Kirkland, Matt Zombotti and DeWayne (Coleena) Zombotti; aunt Denise “Dee” Zombotti, God mother, Geraldine Stout, numerous cousins, family and friends; canine friends, Maxxis, Loki, Duke, Sampson and Bear.

Family will receive friends Sunday, March 21 from 1-8 p.m. at Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory 751 Third St. New Martinsville. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Msgr. Kevin Quirk as celebrant.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Contributions can be made to Christopher Reeves Foundation 636 Morris Tpke Suite 3A Short Hills, NJ 07078.

For more details, please visit https://www.grisellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Josh-Kirkland-2/#!/Obituary

Godspeed Josh.