Belgian Rider Eric Palante Dies in Dakar Rally

Organizers said they found Palante's body Friday morning when a truck went out looking for him. He was discovered on a part of the fifth stage, which most riders completed on Thursday.

The cause of death was being investigated, and officials offered few details.

Two other rally-related deaths were reported earlier Friday. Police said two people following the race died on Thursday when their vehicle overturned in rough terrain in northern Argentina.

The Dakar, raced over rugged terrain in difficult-to-control areas, often produces fatalities. Last year, French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin was killed in a collision with a Chilean police car. Two fans also died in a collision between a support vehicle and two taxis.