Vancouver police recover helmet worn by Greg Moore stolen from BC Sports Hall of Fame

VANCOUVER — The family of late IndyCar racer Greg Moore say they are “incredibly relieved” that his helmet has been recovered after being stolen from the BC Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Vancouver police said Thursday that they found the helmet worn by Moore, a native of Maple Ridge, B.C., after investigators identified the suspect using security video.

The man was tracked to a residential building in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where he was arrested and the helmet was retrieved.

“The theft of (Moore’s) racing helmet has impacted Greg’s family, the sports community, and everyone who cheered him to success,” said Vancouver police spokesman Sgt. Steve Addison in a statement.

“We’re relieved to have made this arrest and returned the exhibit to the BC Sports Hall of Fame.”

The helmet was stolen on Sept. 3 from a display honouring Moore that also features a race car.

Police said investigators began pursuing the case immediately, and the unidentified 39-year-old suspect will appear in court on Nov. 19.

Moore’s father Ric said in a statement that the family is thankful the helmet is “back where it belongs.”

“This helmet is more than just a piece of equipment,” Ric Moore said. “It’s a part of Greg’s spirit, and what it represented to him, to us, and to so many Canadians.”

Museum curator Jason Beck echoed those sentiments.

“This is a moment of real joy and relief for all of us,” Beck said in a separate statement while also thanking Vancouver police.

Moore was one of Canada’s most celebrated IndyCar drivers and was a rising star on the circuit when he was killed in a race in California in 1999 at age 24.

The BC Sports Hall of Fame said the helmet is on permanent loan from the Moore family and is one of the museum’s most iconic collection items.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.

Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press