Photographer is hit and killed by a motorcycle at British Motocross Championships, after it drove through a hay bale barrier when a rider came off on a jump
- The incident took place at the weekend race event at Foxhill in Wiltshire
- A man in his 50s was fatally hit after a rider got off his bike in a jump
- A marshal also suffered a serious injury and the event was quickly abandoned
A photographer has been hit and killed by a motorbike after an accidental crash at the British Motocross Championship.
Motocross snapper Simon Mitchell, who was in his 50s, was fatally injured after a rider got off his bike and his machine crashed through a hay bale barrier.
This is reported by a spokesperson for the event BBC that the incident occurred at the end of the Premier Class Race, which also seriously injured a marshal.
The event, held at Foxhill in Wiltshire last weekend, was abandoned following the crash.
Both men involved in the collision were not with the spectators, but were behind a specific marshal point.
A photographer has been killed by a motorcycle following a crash at the British Motocross Championship
The driver was not injured in the accident.
The circuit has paid tribute to Simon and his work, saying he will be remembered as a ‘genuinely nice guy’ in a statement released on social media today.
“The entire team at VMXdN Foxhill is deeply saddened by the passing of Simon Mitchell yesterday afternoon (May 14) following a freak accident along the track,” they said.
“Simon was a brilliant photographer, a huge motocross enthusiast and an incredible supporter of VMXdN Foxhill from day one.
“Simon was a really nice guy who always had time and wanted to help others.
“We know he will be missed so much by the entire VMXdN team and the motocross community.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
In a statement on its website, the series’ promoter said: ‘RHL Operations is saddened to announce that this weekend’s meeting at Foxhill in Wiltshire has been cancelled.
“At this time, we ask that everyone be patient with us and further updates will be made as needed.”
The photographer, named Simon Mitchell (above), was hit after a rider fell off his bike
The event’s spokesperson said it was “very rare” for a non-rider to die in motocross, adding that they “couldn’t recall a non-rider fatality.”
Wiltshire Police were on the scene and the victim’s next of kin have been notified.
A police statement read: ‘About 2.50pm yesterday (14/05) we were responding to an incident at Foxhill Motocross in Swindon involving a rider and two members of the public during a race.
“The rider dismounted after a jump and the driverless bike left the track, sadly killing a man in his 50s. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.
“A second man in his 60s was taken to hospital with serious injuries.”
The event was the third round of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championship.
Typically, events host races for 250cc and 450cc motorcycles. 250cc models can reach speeds of 55-70 mph, while 450cc mics can reach up to 87 mph.
Foxhill, a 1.5 mile circuit, has played host to several past competitions. The terrain consists of steep hills and winding sections and includes a number of jumps.
About 10,000 people attended the event before it was shut down.