French motorcyclist Pascal Terry died while competing in the Dakar Rally, organizers said on Wednesday.

Terry, 49, was found dead overnight after the fourth stage of the race which is taking place for the first time in South America. He had been missing since Sunday and the stage between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madrid.

"The motorcyclist was found in an area that is very inaccessible with very dense vegetation 15 meters from his bike," organizers said in a statement.

"He had taken off his helmet and had taken shelter with food and water next to him."

Terry was the first fatal casualty at this year's race which started in Buenos Aires on January 3 and finishes back in the Argentine capital on January 17.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of death.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2009)