Klaus Rader, co-founder of the popular L’Osteria restaurant chain, has died at the age of 63 following a serious crash during the 550 Challenge Mallorca on Friday. The German entrepreneur, who was also a passionate motorsport enthusiast, reportedly lost his life when his Porsche left the road on a mountain pass in Spain.
According to reports, Rader was driving a Porsche 911 GT3 RS along a route between Pollença and Lluc when the vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a ravine. The accident occurred in the Serra de Tramuntana, an area known for its mountainous terrain. Rader died at the scene, while his Austrian co-driver, Christina Ettel, sustained severe spinal cord injuries. Emergency responders, including firefighters and rescue teams, faced challenging conditions as they descended into the ravine to reach the occupants and carry out the recovery operation.
The 550 Challenge Mallorca is a three-day motorsport event featuring fully closed roads and 14 timed stages covering more than 550 kilometers. Rader was reportedly driving the lead vehicle, numbered 000, which is used to inspect the stages before competitors attempt to achieve their best times. News of the crash was confirmed by a business partner in a telephone conversation with Germany’s Bild newspaper. L’Osteria subsequently issued a statement announcing Rader’s death, prompting sadness among colleagues and those connected to the restaurant business.
Rader helped establish L’Osteria as a recognizable restaurant brand, building a business that became closely associated with Italian-inspired dining. Beyond his entrepreneurial work, his enthusiasm for racing reflected another important part of his life. His death has left colleagues and associates mourning the loss of a businessman whose professional achievements and passion for motorsport shaped his public legacy. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash may emerge as reports continue.