Last Saturday, August 15, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB lost one of its most dedicated participants when 55-year-old Scott Ellis of Johnstown, Colorado, suffered a fatal heart attack just shy of the finish. Ellis had completed this grueling 100-mile high-altitude mountain bike race eighteen times—more finishes than almost anyone—and was known for embodying the “Leadville racing family” spirit.
“Scott loved everything about this race,” said his wife, Connie. “He adored the people, the town, the camaraderie.” Connie crewed for Scott every year except 2020, when she stayed home due to a sick pet—yet in Leadville, every rider on course becomes part of your support team.
Race founder Ken Chlouber expressed his grief: “Merilee and I are heartbroken. We even presented Scott with special 1,000-mile and 11-year finisher awards. He was family to us.” Ellis was also a fixture at the McGinnis Cottage Bed & Breakfast, where innkeeper Donna McGinnis recalled him as “in great shape, friendly, and always chatting with other guests.”
Fellow racers Glade and Connie Weiser—longtime friends of the Ellis family—watched Scott pass Pipeline (mile 74) on pace for a 10½-hour finish. When he didn’t appear at the 90-mile check, concern grew. It wasn’t until later they learned he had collapsed atop the Powerline climb. “He was about to descend,” Glade said—an agonizing detail, since several medically trained riders were close enough to begin CPR immediately.
Chris Brower, one of those riders, posted: “I stopped first, then an ER doc arrived. We performed chest compressions, got medics in ATVs on scene, and met an ambulance further down. It’s a testament to how many of us here can help when needed.” Despite the swift aid, Ellis was pronounced dead at St. Vincent Hospital in Leadville.
Beyond the trails, Scott was a Colorado Department of Transportation engineer, leading critical rebuilds—including work on U.S. 34 after the 2013 Big Thompson flood. “His passion and care for Colorado will be deeply missed,” CDOT stated.
Connie shared Scott’s own words: “I’ll get that 20-year buckle.. then I’ll quit,” to which she jokingly replied, “No, you won’t.” He once planned to race into his 70s—and although he never reached that milestone, the Leadville community will honor him at next year’s race. Race Director Josh Colley and Ken Chlouber are already planning a memorial, inviting Connie and recognizing those who stopped to help Scott on course.
On behalf of the Leadville racing family: ride in peace, Scott Ellis—you will never be forgotten.
