Marco Simoncelli Funeral: Family, Friends and Fans Gather to Bid Italian Rider Farewell [PHOTOS]

The streets of Coriano, Italy, filled with mourners Thursday afternoon for the funeral of MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, who died in an accident at the Malaysian Grand Prix Sunday.

Simoncelli lost control of his bike and was hit first by Colin Edwards and then by Valentino Rossi, knocking his helmet off and causing "serious trauma" to his head, neck and chest. He was taken to the medical centre for treatment but died from his injuries.

The 24-year-old's hearse arrived at the Santa Maria Assunta church in the central Italian town just before 3 p.m. local time.

Family, members of Team Gresini and various guests including seven-time world champions Rossi attended the funeral while an estimated 6,000 fans gathered outside to watch the service on big screens.