Photographer killed by runaway bike at British Motocross Championships as marshal injured
The tragedy unfolded yesterday afternoon at an event near Swindon.
A photographer was killed after being hit by a bike at a round of the British Motocross Championships. The rider fell off his bike during the race at the Foxhill track near Swindon on Sunday afternoon.
However, the machine continued to travel without the rider onboard and smashed through hay bales. Photographer, Simon Mitchell, was killed in the incident at at around 3pm.
A marshal in his 60s was also injured in the tragic incident. Organisers later confirmed the accident had taken place at the end of the Premier Class Race.
It is believed that both men were stood at a marshaling point and were not sitting near spectators. Officials later confirmed that the rest of the days racing would be cancelled after the accident.
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A spokesperson for the event said: “RHL Activities are saddened to announce that this weekend’s meeting at Foxhill in Wiltshire has been cancelled. At this moment in time we ask that everyone bears with us and any further updates will be made if required.”
Just weeks ago, RHL Activities had urged marshals to sign up to volunteer at the event to ensure it went ahead. Foxhill was the third event of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championship with a series of races held over the weekend.
On display were the Big Wheel 85cc bikes, 125cc and 250cc machines as well as then larger motocross bikes from the MX1 and MX2 categories.
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Foxhill is one of the most popular motocross venues in the UK with around 10,000 fans attending over the weekend. VMXDN Foxhill posted a touching tribute to Simon on social media on Monday, praising his work in the motocross community.
They wrote: "The entire team at VMXdN Foxhill is deeply saddened by the passing of Simon Mitchell yesterday afternoon (May 14th) following a freak accident trackside. Simon was a brilliant photographer, a huge motocross enthusiast, and an incredible supporter of VMXdN Foxhill from day one.
"Simon worked closely with the VMXdN team for many years within our different roles in the MX industry. Over the years, he has captured many memories that will be forever cherished. Many of Simon’s photographs are displayed across our social pages and website. His photograph was the original image behind last year’s Mike Brown Merch T-shirt, which he was incredibly proud of.
"Simon was a genuinely lovely guy who always had time and wanted to help others. We know he will be so sadly missed by the whole VMXdN Team and the motocross community. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this very sad time."