Dakar Rally organizers say French motorcyclist Pascal Terry has been found dead during the race in Argentina.

Organizers say the 49-year-old Terry had gone missing Sunday during the second stage of the race, between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn.

In a statement Wednesday, the organizers said Terry was found in an area of dense vegetation, about 50 feet from his motorcycle, without his helmet and with food and water beside him.

Las Pampas police are investigating the death.

This is the first year the famed motor race is being held in South America. Organizers called off last year’s race in Africa because of terrorist threats.