Marc Marquez and Casey Stoner pay tribute to Nicky Hayden

FELLOW MotoGP stars have led a wave of tributes to Nicky Hayden on social media.

The 2006 MotoGP champion died yesterday aged 35 after being struck by a car while cycling last week. 

Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner tweeted: 'Thankful for the time that I was privileged to know you! #RIPNickyHayden #Legend Pray for his family during this time. We'll miss you mate!'

Reigning champion Marc Marquez wrote: 'I'm shattered after the news. We will never forget you! #DEPNickyHayden #RIPNickyHayden.'

Three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo tweeted: 'So sad. I can't believe how life can be so cruel. All my condolence to Nicky's family and friends. #RIPNickyHayden.'

The MotoGP stars were joined by other racers, fans and industry names paying tribute to the American racer, nicknamed 'The Kentucky Kid'.

Here's a round-up of some of the tweets:

Thankful for the time that I was privileged to know you! #RIPNickyHayden #Legend Pray for his family during this time We'll miss you mate! pic.twitter.com/oV40J7ykTE

— Casey Stoner (@Official_CS27) May 22, 2017

Destrozado tras la noticia. Nunca te olvidaremos! / I'm shattered after the news. We will never forget you! #DEPNickyHayden #RIPNickyHayden pic.twitter.com/qF5wNnFM6o

— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) May 22, 2017

So sad. I can't believe how life can be so cruel. All my condolence to Nicky's family and friends. #RIPNickyHayden pic.twitter.com/CQYg6v8FxT

— Jorge Lorenzo (@lorenzo99) May 22, 2017

Devastated at the news #NickyHayden has died.. one of a very few superstars and all round nice guy of motorcycle racing.!!

— FOGGY. MBE (@carlfogarty) May 22, 2017

We adored him, impossible not to. The coolest person I've had the pleasure to know. All love to his family & Jackie. God bless #NickyHayden pic.twitter.com/T5MHoUCAw3

— Suzi Perry (@suziperry) May 22, 2017

Devastated to hear that our friend Nicky Hayden has passed away. Deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace bro 6️⃣9️⃣#RIPNickyHayden pic.twitter.com/GdVt4cTb1w

— Monster Yamaha Tech3 (@Tech3Racing) May 22, 2017

Ride in Peace big champion #RIPNicky pic.twitter.com/8Em17y7dGO

— Dainese (@dainese) May 22, 2017

"The nicest man in Grand Prix racing"



Thanks for the memories, Nicky. #RideOnKentuckyKid pic.twitter.com/BX4VvGgKWC

— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) May 22, 2017

Wow so sad to hear about the passing of Nicky Hayden, thoughts are with his family and friends #RideOnKentuckyKid

— Jenny Tinmouth (@JennyTinmouth) May 22, 2017